Study reveals how reward enhances connectivity between the ventral striatum and the default mode network, impacting behavior.
The lateral habenula is responsible for determining whether an animal is willing to work for rewards, and when it will stop working.
Study explores brain activity in primates and humans when presented with a choice between one option that maximizes information and another which prioritizes reward during decision making.
Switching off activity in the anterior cingulate cortex prevented marmoset monkeys from making an association between behavior and a particular outcome.
Offering a range of rewards for people to choose from helps to boost creativity, especially within the workforce, a new study reports.
From reflective journaling to creative prose, writing can help boost self-esteem, deepen a sense of self-control, and improve self-awareness. Writing can also help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Dopamine neurons in the midbrain become active in a previously undetected way when an animal considers a reward that is changing in value.
Researchers found specific neurons in the striosome that help mice learn to avoid negative experiences.
Compared to adults, children continue to explore other options than using knowledge to capitalize on reward, to see if the value has changed. Children approach exploration systematically to make sure they don't miss anything.
Older children have stronger neural responses to rewards over punishments later in the afternoon. In younger children, this pattern is reversed.
Cannabis use in males appears to alter sperm before mating, increasing the risk of their offspring developing brain abnormalities in areas associated with mood, memory, learning, and reward.
Researchers analyzed the relationship between reward and effort in achieving goals and identified two critical stages in the decision-making process.
