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Action-value comparisons in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex control choice between goal-directed actions

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  • Richard W. Morris

    (Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney)

  • Amir Dezfouli

    (Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney)

  • Kristi R. Griffiths

    (Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney)

  • Bernard W. Balleine

    (Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney)

Abstract

It is generally assumed that choice between different actions reflects the difference between their action values yet little direct evidence confirming this assumption has been reported. Here we assess whether the brain calculates the absolute difference between action values or their relative advantage, that is, the probability that one action is better than the other alternatives. We use a two-armed bandit task during functional magnetic resonance imaging and modelled responses to determine both the size of the difference between action values (D) and the probability that one action value is better (P). The results show haemodynamic signals corresponding to P in right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) together with evidence that these signals modulate motor cortex activity in an action-specific manner. We find no significant activity related to D. These findings demonstrate that a distinct neuronal population mediates action-value comparisons, and reveals how these comparisons are implemented to mediate value-based decision-making.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard W. Morris & Amir Dezfouli & Kristi R. Griffiths & Bernard W. Balleine, 2014. "Action-value comparisons in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex control choice between goal-directed actions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms5390
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5390
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    Cited by:

    1. Lotem Elber-Dorozko & Yonatan Loewenstein, 2018. "Striatial Action-Value Neurons Reconsidered," Discussion Paper Series dp720, The Federmann Center for the Study of Rationality, the Hebrew University, Jerusalem.

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