Neural basis of proximal influences on choice: recent reinforcement, inter-trial interval, and uncertainty
Loading...
Date
2018
Authors
Thapa, Rajat
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : Universtiy of Lethbridge, Department of Neuroscience
Abstract
Describing how animals make decisions is fundamental to understanding
animal behaviour. Here we describe the transient yet significant influence of recent
wins and losses on subsequent decisions in a competitive two-choice paradigm.
We report that the drive to shift to alternate choices after a loss (lose-shift
response) decays monotonically within the first few seconds of the inter-trial
interval whereas the tendency to repeat a choice after a win (win-stay response) is
initially low, gradually increases for few seconds, and then declines. We also show
that the level of contextual uncertainty is correlated with the number of exploratory
responses observed in the operant chamber. Furthermore, we report that lose-shift
is dependent on the integrity of the ventrolateral striatum whereas win-stay is
dependent on proper phasic dopaminergic signalling in the ventromedial striatum.
Overall, our results suggest that lose-shift and win-stay response depend on
dissociable circuits within the ventral striatum.
Description
Keywords
Rat , Decision-making , Striatum , Reinforcement learning , Lateral Habenula , Decision making in animals , Reward (Psychology) , Reinforcement (Psychology) , Brain -- Localization of functions