A Neurocomputational Model of Altruistic Choice and Its Implications.

ABSTRACT: We propose a neurocomputational model of altruistic choice and test it using behavioral and fMRI data from a task in which subjects make choices between real monetary prizes for themselves and another. We show that a multi-attribute drift-diffusion model, in which choice results from accumulation of a relative value signal that linearly weights payoffs for self and other, captures key patterns of choice, reaction time, and neural response in ventral striatum, temporoparietal junction, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. The model generates several novel insights into the nature of altruism. It explains when and why generous choices are slower or faster than selfish choices, and why they produce greater response in TPJ and vmPFC, without invoking competition between automatic and deliberati

SUBMITTER: Hutcherson CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4947370 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature