Final answer:
The anterior association area, or prefrontal cortex, plays a central role in decision making, encapsulating functions like judgment, abstract reasoning, and working memory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anterior association area, also known as the prefrontal cortex, is a part of the frontal lobe primarily involved in higher cognitive functions rather than direct motor control. Anterior to the regions associated with the planning of specific types of movements, such as the primary motor cortex, premotor cortex, and Broca's area, the prefrontal cortex is critical for functions like judgment, abstract reasoning, and working memory. The antecedents to planning movements include deciding whether those movements should be executed, which is a part of decision making processes.
The prefrontal cortex is composed of the regions of the frontal lobe that are not directly related to specific motor functions. It is responsible for judgment, abstract reasoning, and working memory. These cognitive functions are important in decision making.