People continuously make plans. Plans do not happen as intended though. An alternative action is always ready by the brain for every plan made.
The brain is a complex organ that scientists are still trying to understand. One of those functions that scientists are wondering is how decision making is being done by the brain. A person faces many things that make him decide daily. Scientists have found that the brain is already preparing for possibilities whenever that moment comes.
Jose Gallivan, co-author of the study and neuroscientist at Queen's University in Ontario, has said that that the brain is always looking at visual targets and the possible outcomes it could have on those targets. Potential actions are being made by the brain even if the person is not aware of it. This can be seen in such activities such as sports, where split second decisions can mean a win or a loss.
Implementation of a backup plan or action can be made almost instantly then, since the brain has already calculated the possible outcomes that might happen. Reaction times in sports can be fast since the brain has already known the possible outcome even before it can happen. Adjustments are made then based on the calculations made.
An experiment has been done by Gallivan and his colleagues in order to see how the brain makes backup plans much better. The experiment involved 16 participants who had to steer to one of two targets. However, the participants have to go to the target even before the target has been specified, according to Science Daily.
The experiment started with the cursor being exactly where the hand was. This was gradually changed as the cursor became slightly out of sync from the hand movement. With each change, the participants also made adjustments based on where the cursor would be placed. The experiment showed that people could compensate or adjust their movements even with slight changes, as Eureka Alert reports.
The brain has been shown to be dynamic. It can help people adjust to the surroundings and situations quickly. An alternative action is always ready by the brain. A study reports that low weight babies could have mental issues later on.
