Matthew D. Dovel
Abstract
According to the work of Sigmund Freud, all human decisionmaking is based on one of two probable outcomes: avoiding pain or seeking pleasure. Behavior is influenced through past experiences and conditioning coupled with innate characteristics unique to each individual. Memories contain a hierarchy that is determined by the intensity level of an emotion at the formation of a memory. The only aspect of a memory that will influence in our decision-making process is the level of intensity present in a memory component.