Changes of Attention during Value-Based Reversal Learning Are Tracked by N2pc and Feedback-Related Negativity

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

Mariann Oemisch¹  Marcus R. Watson¹  Anna Schubö²  Thilo Womelsdorf³ 

[1] Department of Biology, Centre for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada;Department of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany;Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States;

关键词: visual selective attention;    attentional learning;    feedback;    N2pc;    reversal learning;    EEG;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fnhum.2017.00540

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Previously learned reward values can have a pronounced impact, behaviorally and neurophysiologically, on the allocation of selective attention. All else constant, stimuli previously associated with a high value gain stronger attentional prioritization than stimuli previously associated with a low value. The N2pc, an ERP component indicative of attentional target selection, has been shown to reflect aspects of this prioritization, by changes of mean amplitudes closely corresponding to selective enhancement of high value target processing and suppression of high value distractor processing. What has remained unclear so far is whether the N2pc also reflects the flexible and repeated behavioral adjustments needed in a volatile task environment, in which the values of stimuli are reversed often and unannounced. Using a value-based reversal learning task, we found evidence that the N2pc amplitude flexibly and reversibly tracks value-based choices during the learning of reward associated stimulus colors. Specifically, successful learning of current value-contingencies was associated with reduced N2pc amplitudes, and this effect was more apparent for distractor processing, compared with target processing. In addition, following a value reversal the feedback related negativity(FRN), an ERP component that reflects feedback processing, was amplified and co-occurred with increased N2pc amplitudes in trials following low-value feedback. Importantly, participants that showed the greatest adjustment in N2pc amplitudes based on feedback were also the most efficient learners. These results allow further insight into how changes in attentional prioritization in an uncertain and volatile environment support flexible adjustments of behavior.

【 授权许可】

Unknown