Resolving approach-avoidance conflicts relies on encoding motivation outcomes and learning from past experiences. This study used intracranial recordings from mPFC and MTL neurons in epilepsy patients performing a goal-conflict task. mPFC neurons showed greater selectivity for punishments than rewards under controlled conditions. However, only MTL firing following punishment predicted subsequent approach behavior. mPFC response to punishment preceded MTL response and interacted with MTL firing to affect behavior. The findings suggest a model where mPFC tags outcome value, influencing MTL encoding to shape choices.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Jun 24, 2020
Authors
Tomer Gazit, Tal Gonen, Guy Gurevitch, Noa Cohen, Ido Strauss, Yoav Zeevi, Hagar Yamin, Firas Fahoum, Talma Hendler, Itzhak Fried
Tags
approach-avoidance
motivation
mPFC
MTL
decision-making
punishment
neuroscience
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