Anterior cingulate error-related activity is modulated by predicted reward.
Learning abilities depend on detection and exploitation of errors. In primates, this function involves the anterior cingulate cortex. However, whether anterior cingulate error-related activity indicates occurrence of inappropriate responses or results from other computations is debated. Here we have tested whether reward-related parameters modulate error-related activity of anterior cingulate neurons. Recordings in monkeys performing stimulus-reward associations and preliminary data obtained with a problem-solving task revealed major properties of error-related unit activity: (i) their amplitude varies with the amount of predicted reward or the proximity to reward delivery; (ii) they appear both after execution and performance errors; (iii) they do not indicate which error occurred or which correction to make; and (iv), importantly, the activity of these neurons also increases following an external signal indicating the necessity to shift response. Hence, we conclude that anterior cingulate 'error' activity might represent a negative deviation from a predicted goal, and does not only reflect error detection but signals events interrupting potentially rewarded actions.
Amiez
Céline
C
Inserm U371, Cerveau et Vision, Department of Cognitive Neurosciences, IFR19, UCB-Lyon1, 18 av. doyen Lépine, 69500 Bron, France.
Joseph
Jean-Paul
JP
Procyk
Emmanuel
E
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001499:Bayes Theorem; D003216:Conditioning, Operant / Q000502:physiology*; D006179:Gyrus Cinguli / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D000882:Haplorhini; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D012201:Reward