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Choice is the vehicle for exercising control. (Left panel) For a given goal state, there is a desired outcome. When an individual chooses actions that lead to the desired outcome, the experienced contingency results in the perception of control. If the action results in reward (or avoids punishment), then the specific action is reinforced. However, the decision-making process itself (i.e. the opportunity for choice) is also reinforced. (Right panel) For any specific goal state, the value of the exercising control through choice may depend on certain personal and cultural values that may be learned, as well as situational factors, including the complexity of the choice, which may weigh heavily on cognitive resources (e.g. working memory), the ambiguity or uncertainty of choice outcomes, and whether or not potential risk or threat is involved.

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