Decision value computation in DLPFC and VMPFC adjusts to the available decision time

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Decision Science

Background:

• Simple decisions are modeled as computing and comparing option values.
• The temporal dynamics of neural valuation during decision-making remain poorly understood.
• Understanding valuation timing is crucial for refining computational models of choice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the temporal course of neural valuation signals in the brain.
• To examine how manipulating decision time influences valuation processes.
• To compare the temporal dynamics of valuation in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).

Main Methods:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to scan participants during food choice tasks.
• Decision time was manipulated across two experimental conditions.
• Finite impulse response (FIR) models analyzed neural activity onset, duration, and termination in VMPFC and DLPFC.

Main Results:

• Value computation began immediately in both VMPFC and DLPFC.
• Extended decision time led to a longer duration of valuation signals without altering choice behavior.
• DLPFC activity modestly correlated with and lagged behind VMPFC activity, suggesting information sharing.

Conclusions:

• Neural valuation signals initiate rapidly but their temporal dynamics are sensitive to available decision time.
• VMPFC and DLPFC exhibit distinct but interacting temporal profiles in value computation.
• Findings inform computational models of decision-making by highlighting the temporal aspects of neural valuation.