The brain makes decisions based on the experiences and the memories they form. However, emotions play a critical role because they determine what memory is created and where it is stored. Multiple emotions work together to determine the mood and the decision based on which of them prevails over the rest. The list of emotions includes fear, caution, anger, sadness, joy, and disgust. These emotions form two types of memory: short-term memory and core memory. The core memories are developed from super important events in a person’s life. For example, childhood of Riley comprises such events as playing hockey and attending fun parks (Docter, 2015).
These events have formed core memories that influence emotions and the decisions made. For example, remembering a happy moment in one’s life can determine what the individual will respond to other people or situations. Riley moving to a new place evokes memories of good things left behind and sadness prevails over joy. Therefore, what she says when called upon and how she behaves at home afterward are decisions based on sadness.
The core memories go on to power an aspect of a person’s personality. For example, the monkey island makes Riley a happy and cheerful person, while the loss of this memory converts her into a sad and angry person (Docter, 2015). As such, it is the islands of personality that make people who they are and the decisions they make when faced with a situation. Another aspect of brain functioning and decision-making involves a memory dump where memories are lost forever.
When core memories are shut down, the personality is lost. It would take a long train of thought trying to retrieve the memories without certainty of success. Therefore, decisions are made depending on what personality traits are prevailing, which are then the result of core memories influenced by experiences from super important events.
Reference
Docter, P. (Director). (2015). Inside Out [Film]. Lixar, Walt Disney Pictures.