Distinguishing between predictive and incentive value of uncertain gambling-like cues in a Pavlovian autoshaping task.

Distinguishing between predictive and incentive value of uncertain gambling-like cues in a Pavlovian autoshaping task. Behav Brain Res. 2019 May 23;:111971 Authors: Robinson MJF, Clibanoff C, Freeland CM, Knes AS, Cote JR, Russell TI Abstract The flashing lights and celebratory sounds that dominate slot-machine gambling are believed to promote engagement and motivation to keep playing. However, these cues are often presented in the absence of reward, and previous research suggests that this reward uncertainty, which degrades their predictive value, also increases their incentive value. Here, we used autoshaping to tease apart the impact of reward uncertainty on the predictive and incentive value of a conditioned stimulus (CS) using serial cues. Each CS trial began with the presentation of a predictive CS1, followed by a CS2, holding primarily incentive value, because of its proximity to sucrose reward delivery, under Certain (100%-1) or Uncertain (50%-1-2-3) reward conditions. Subsequently, we tested the impact of amphetamine and nicotine on cue attraction, and the ability of these cues to either serve as a conditioned reinforcer, or promote motivation for sucrose during a progressive ratio task. Finally, we measured anxiety behavior, and examined its interaction with each cue and uncertainty. Our results suggest that reward uncertainty increases attraction to the incentive CS2 and its ability to trigger motivation and reward-seeking...
Source: Behavioural Brain Research - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Behav Brain Res Source Type: research