Advanced Mathematical Modeling of Decision Making in Alcohol Research

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 DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The candidate, Dr. Clintin Davis-Stober, is a mathematical psychologist who conducts research in the field of behavioral economics. The goal of this K25 application is to provide Dr. Davis-Stober the opportunity to expand his research program to alcohol and addiction studies, under the guidance of his mentors and consultants. The field of alcohol research has greatly benefitted from the application of behavioral economics perspectives (e.g., delay discounting, demand). The larger goal of this program is to accelerate the incorporation of cutting-edge mathematical decision models and experimental paradigms from behavioral economics into the field of alcohol studies. To this end, two leading alcohol researchers, Dr. Denis McCarthy and Dr. Kenneth Sher, will act as mentors for Dr. Davis-Stober. As detailed in the career development and training plan, Dr. Davis-Stober will gain expertise in alcohol studies research via extensive coursework, workshops, conferences, and intensive collaboration with mentors and consultants. A major goal of this four-year training program is for Dr. Davis-Stober to become an independent investigator in alcohol studies with a research program that is competitive for R-01 level funding. Concurrent with this training plan is a collaborative research program that lies at the interface of alcohol research, behavioral economics, and advanced mathematical modeling. In collaboration with his mentors, Dr. Davis-Stober will conduct a series of alcohol administration studies that incorporate the latest in experimental design from behavioral economics. These studies are designed to evaluate a host of important decision making properties, heretofore, under-studied in the field of alcohol. Data from these studies will be analyzed via state-of-the-art mathematical and statistical models drawn from mathematical psychology and behavioral economics. These models offer the opportunity for new theoretic advances in the understanding of decision making under alcohol intoxication. The broader impacts of this research program include new insights into how alcohol impacts an individual's ability to evaluate risky consequences when making a decision. This type of insight is crucial in designing societal programs to combat the occurrence of drunk driving and related risk behaviors.