biostudies-literatureLiu SDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschafte0279532https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9879536biostudies-literatureUnknown18(1)<h4>Background</h4>If our attention wanders to other thoughts while making a decision, then the decision might not be directed towards future goals, reflecting a lack of model-based decision making, but may instead be driven by habits, reflecting model-free decision making. Here we aimed to investigate if and how model-based versus model-free decision making is reduced by trait spontaneous mind wandering.<h4>Methods and findings</h4>We used a sequential two-step Markov decision task and a self-report questionnaire assessing trait spontaneous and deliberate mind wandering propensity, to investigate how trait mind wandering relates to model-free as well as model-based decisions. We estimated parameters of a computational neurocognitive dual-control model of decision making. Analyzing estimatPloS oneSpontaneous mind wandering impairs model-based decision making.PMC9879536491466077grant number FOR 1617, subproject 3, Modelling learning, SCHA 1971/1-2 to DJSRabovsky MLiu SSchad DJfalseSpontaneous mind wandering impairs model-based decision making.<h4>Background</h4>If our attention wanders to other thoughts while making a decision, then the decision might not be directed towards future goals, reflecting a lack of model-based decision making, but may instead be driven by habits, reflecting model-free decision making. Here we aimed to investigate if and how model-based versus model-free decision making is reduced by trait spontaneous mind wandering.<h4>Methods and findings</h4>We used a sequential two-step Markov decision task and a self-report questionnaire assessing trait spontaneous and deliberate mind wandering propensity, to investigate how trait mind wandering relates to model-free as well as model-based decisions. We estimated parameters of a computational neurocognitive dual-control model of decision making. Analyzing estimat2023-01-01T00:00:00Z20232025-04-25T20:11:17.749Z2025-04-06T08:18:46.239ZS-EPMC98795363670131610.1371/journal.pone.0279532