Reward-Mediated, Model-Free Reinforcement-Learning Mechanisms in Pavlovian and Instrumental Tasks Are Related
Afshar N, Cinotti F, Martin D, Khamassi M, Calu DJ, Taylor JR, Groman SM. Reward-Mediated, Model-Free Reinforcement-Learning Mechanisms in Pavlovian and Instrumental Tasks Are Related. Journal Of Neuroscience 2022, 43: 458-471. PMID: 36216504, PMCID: PMC9864557, DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1113-22.2022.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGoal-tracking behaviorReinforcement learning mechanismInstrumental learning processesSign-tracking behaviorModel-free reinforcementApproach taskInstrumental taskInstrumental behaviorBehavioral proceduresSubjects designLearning mechanismDecision Making TaskModel-based computationLearning processModel-free reinforcement learningPredictive cuesIncentive salienceAssociative learningIndividual differencesComputational mechanismsDecision-making processPavlovianModel-based algorithmValue representationAction valuesReinforcement Learning during Adolescence in Rats
Afshar N, Keip AJ, Taylor JR, Lee D, Groman SM. Reinforcement Learning during Adolescence in Rats. Journal Of Neuroscience 2020, 40: 5857-5870. PMID: 32601244, PMCID: PMC7380962, DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0910-20.2020.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNovel behavioral protocolReversal-learning performanceAdaptive choice behaviorBehavioral protocolFemale Long-Evans ratsReversal performanceChoice behaviorLong-Evans ratsAdolescent brain functionAge-related improvementsReinforcement-learning mechanismsReversal-learning taskReversal-learning paradigmDecision-making paradigmReinforcement learning mechanismAdolescent ratsLongitudinal designAge-related changesNeurodevelopmental mechanismsAdolescencePositive outcomesBrain functionFunction of circuitsPostnatal day 30Adulthood