Reward expectation differentially modulates attentional behavior and activity in visual area V4.

ABSTRACT: Neural activity in visual area V4 is enhanced when attention is directed into neuronal receptive fields. However, the source of this enhancement is unclear, as most physiological studies have manipulated attention by changing the absolute reward associated with a particular location as well as its value relative to other locations. We trained monkeys to discriminate the orientation of two stimuli presented simultaneously in different hemifields while we independently varied the reward magnitude associated with correct discrimination at each location. Behavioral measures of attention were controlled by the relative value of each location. By contrast, neurons in V4 were consistently modulated by absolute reward value, exhibiting increased activity, increased gamma-band power and decreased t

SUBMITTER: Baruni JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4624579 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature