title: Economic risk coding by single neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex.
abstract: Risk is a ubiquitous feature of the environment for all organisms. Very few things in life are achieved with absolute certainty. Therefore, it is essential that organisms process risky information efficiently to promote adaptive behaviour and enhance survival. Here we outline a clear definition of economic risk derived from economic theory and focus on two experiments in which we have shown subpopulations of single neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex of rhesus macaques that code either economic risk per se or an error-related risk signal, namely a risk prediction error. These biological risk signals are essential for processing and updating risky information in the environment to contribute to efficient decision making and adaptive behaviour.
authors: Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK. Electronic address: oneillmartin007@gmail.com.
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: O'Neill
authors: Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK. Electronic address: ws234@cam.ac.uk.
authors: Wolfram
authors: W
authors: Schultz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003657:Decision Making / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D012201:Reward; D012309:Risk-Taking
keywords: Economic; Orbitofrontal cortex; Prediction error; Risk; Uncertainty