title: Processing speed enhances model-based over model-free reinforcement learning in the presence of high working memory functioning.
abstract: Theories of decision-making and its neural substrates have long assumed the existence of two distinct and competing valuation systems, variously described as goal-directed vs. habitual, or, more recently and based on statistical arguments, as model-free vs. model-based reinforcement-learning. Though both have been shown to control choices, the cognitive abilities associated with these systems are under ongoing investigation. Here we examine the link to cognitive abilities, and find that individual differences in processing speed covary with a shift from model-free to model-based choice control in the presence of above-average working memory function. This suggests shared cognitive and neural processes; provides a bridge between literatures on intelligence and valuation; and may guide the development of process models of different valuation components. Furthermore, it provides a rationale for individual differences in the tendency to deploy valuation systems, which may be important for understanding the manifold neuropsychiatric diseases associated with malfunctions of valuation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Schad
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jünger
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sebold
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garbusow
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: Nadine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bernhardt
authors.affiliation: Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience, University College London London, UK.
authors.forename: Amir-Homayoun
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Javadi
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: Ulrich S
authors.initials: US
authors.lastname: Zimmermann
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: Michael N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Smolka
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Heinz
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin, Germany ; Area of Excellence Cognitive Sciences, University of Potsdam Potsdam, Germany.
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Rapp
authors.affiliation: Translational Neuromodeling Unit, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland ; Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Quentin J M
authors.initials: QJ
authors.lastname: Huys
keywords: cognitive abilities; decision-making; fluid intelligence; habitual and goal-directed system; model-based and model-free learning; reward