Exploring the science of decision-making
When faced with complex choices, people show bursts of exploration before settling into preferred options of higher value. ... Read More...
reward
Inflammation induces anhedonia in women but not men
Inflammation appears to reduce reward response in females. Reduced activity in the brain's reward system is a key component of anhedonia, the loss of enjoyment in activities, a core feature of depression. The findings may explain why depression is more prevalent in women than in men.... Read More...
Treats might mask animal intelligence
Positive reinforcement by reward is important for learning based behaviors, but masks the expression of underlying knowledge and true animal intelligence.... Read More...
Unexpectedly, big wins improve two kinds of memory
Unexpected rewards boost memories of specific events. The findings may have implications for treating memory problems associated with depression. ... Read More...
What makes memories stronger? Rat Study
Hippocampal replay selectively enhances memory of highly rewarded locations in a familiar context.... Read More...
When it comes to learning, what’s better: The carrot or the stick?
People are more confident in decisions, and execute choices more quickly, if they are chasing a reward. However, we become more flexible in our decisions when trying to avoid a negative outcome.... Read More...
More Than Just Memories: A New Role for the Hippocampus During Learning
A new role for the hippocampus involving pattern separation and conjunctive representation in reinforcement learning is discussed.... Read More...
The Unexpected Creates Reward When Listening to Music
A new study reports unexpected changes in music activates the nucleus accumbens, providing reward and helping us to learn about the music as we listen. ... Read More...
Dopamine Modulates Reward Experiences Elicited by Music
Researchers report a causal link between dopamine, musical pleasure and motivation. Phamacologically manipulating dopamine levels, researchers found increasing dopamine increased the hedonic experience and motivational response to listening to a piece of music.... Read More...
Inability to Integrate Reward Information Contributes to Undervalued Rewards in Schizophrenia
A new computational model reveals the impaired ability to integrate size and probability of reward in those with schizophrenia may be the result of a lack of consideration of the magnitude of the reward.... Read More...
Surprising Role of the Cerebellum in Reward and Social Behaviors
Researchers reveal the role the cerebellum plays in helping to control the brain's reward system. The researchers identified a direct connection from the cerebellum to the ventral tegmental area. The study may shed new light on neural networks associated with social dysfunction.... Read More...
How Error and Reward Signals are Organized Within the Cerebral Cortex
Researchers reveal how both error and reward signals are organized within the cerebral cortex. ... Read More...