A neural mechanism for conserved value computations integrating information and rewards.

ABSTRACT: Behavioral and economic theory dictate that we decide between options based on their values. However, humans and animals eagerly seek information about uncertain future rewards, even when this does not provide any objective value. This implies that decisions are made by endowing information with subjective value and integrating it with the value of extrinsic rewards, but the mechanism is unknown. Here, we show that human and monkey value judgements obey strikingly conserved computational principles during multi-attribute decisions trading off information and extrinsic reward. We then identify a neural substrate in a highly conserved ancient structure, the lateral habenula (LHb). LHb neurons signal subjective value, integrating information's value with extrinsic rewards, and the LHb predict

SUBMITTER: Bromberg-Martin ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10774124 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature