Valence biases in reinforcement learning shift across adolescence and modulate subsequent memory.

ABSTRACT: As individuals learn through trial and error, some are more influenced by good outcomes, while others weight bad outcomes more heavily. Such valence biases may also influence memory for past experiences. Here, we examined whether valence asymmetries in reinforcement learning change across adolescence, and whether individual learning asymmetries bias the content of subsequent memory. Participants ages 8-27 learned the values of 'point machines,' after which their memory for trial-unique images presented with choice outcomes was assessed. Relative to children and adults, adolescents overweighted worse-than-expected outcomes during learning. Individuals' valence biases modulated incidental memory, such that those who prioritized worse- (or better-) than-expected outcomes during learning were

SUBMITTER: Rosenbaum GM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8786311 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature