Right frontal cortex generates reward-related theta-band oscillatory activity.
When participants in a gambling game are given feedback as to whether they won or lost the previous bet, a series of stereotypical brain electrical responses can be observed in the electroencephalogram (EEG) and the stimulus-locked Event-Related Potential (ERP). These include the Feedback-Related Mediofrontal Negativity (FRN), a posterior P300, and a feedback-induced increase in power at the theta (4 to 8 Hz) band over frontal scalp. Although the generators of the FRN and P300 have been studied previously, little is known about the generator of feedback-induced theta. We employed a gambling game in which participants chose either high-risk/high-reward or low-risk/low-reward bets to investigate these feedback-related responses. The FRN was not modulated by the riskiness of the bet, but both P300 and feedback-induced theta were of greater amplitude following high- relative to low-risk bets. Using a bilateral multi-source Beamformer approach, we localized the induced theta-band responses following wins and losses to partially overlapping regions in the right medial frontal cortex, possibly including the Anterior Cingulate. Using a dipole-fitting approach, we found that the generators of feedback-induced theta are anatomically distinct from those of the FRN and P300.
Christie
Gregory J
GJ
The University of Lethbridge, Neuroscience, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada. greg.christie@uleth.ca
Tata
Matthew S
MS
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018913:Event-Related Potentials, P300; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000502:physiology*; D007839:Functional Laterality; D005715:Gambling; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012201:Reward; D012306:Risk; D013826:Theta Rhythm; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult