# Compare first, evaluate later: Upending the neuroscience of choice

## TL;DR

A new study shows that the brain compares options before evaluating them, which challenges traditional theories of decision-making.

## Contribution

The study reveals a novel sequence of neural processes in the orbitofrontal cortex during decision-making.

## Key findings

- The orbitofrontal cortex compares options before evaluating them.
- This finding challenges standard models of economic choice.
- The study provides new insights into the neuroscience of decision-making.

## Abstract

In standard models of economic choice, we evaluate each option separately and then compare their values. A new study in PLOS Biology shows that, in orbitofrontal cortex, we compare before evaluating, challenging theories about how we choose.

In standard models of economic choice, we evaluate each option separately and then compare their values. This Primer discusses a new study in PLOS Biology showing that, in orbitofrontal cortex, we compare before evaluating, challenging theories about how we choose.