title: The problem with value.
abstract: Neural correlates of value have been extensively reported in a diverse set of brain regions. However, in many cases it is difficult to determine whether a particular neural response pattern corresponds to a value-signal per se as opposed to an array of alternative non-value related processes, such as outcome-identity coding, informational coding, encoding of autonomic and skeletomotor consequences, alongside previously described "salience" or "attentional" effects. Here, I review a number of experimental manipulations that can be used to test for value, and I identify the challenges in ascertaining whether a particular neural response is or is not a value signal. Finally, I emphasize that some non-value related signals may be especially informative as a means of providing insight into the nature of the decision-making related computations that are being implemented in a particular brain region.
authors.affiliation: Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Computation and Neural Systems Program, California Institute of Technology, United States. Electronic address: jdoherty@caltech.edu.
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: O'Doherty
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D003657:Decision Making / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012201:Reward
keywords: Decision-making; Learning; Neuroeconomics; Reward
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