Predictive coding of the statistical parameters of uncertain rewards by orbitofrontal neurons.

Predictive coding of the statistical parameters of uncertain rewards by orbitofrontal neurons.
Behav Brain Res. 2018 Apr 27;:
Authors: O'Neill M, Schultz W
Abstract
Uncertain reward outcomes are characterised by statistical parameters that capture the numerical values of the underlying probability distributions of reward values, including the expected value, risk (variance) and probability. Here we show coding of an integrated expected value signal by single orbitofrontal neurons in response to visual cues predicting uncertain rewards. Separate subpopulations of orbitofrontal neurons predominantly code the prediction of one statistical parameter with few neurons showing combined coding. These signals are likely combined with subjective value signals to inform learning and decision making under conditions of uncertainty.
PMID: 29709608 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Behavioural Brain Research - April 27, 2018 Category: Neurology Authors: O'Neill M, Schultz W Tags: Behav Brain Res Source Type: research