Self-choice enhances value in reward-seeking in primates

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Economics
• Decision Science

Background:

• Rational choice theory assumes equal value for identical outcomes, regardless of acquisition circumstances.
• Real-world behavior often deviates from rational choice predictions, particularly in reward-seeking scenarios.
• The subjective value assigned to potential rewards can be influenced by factors beyond objective parameters like amount, probability, and workload.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether self-choice influences the perceived value of reward schedules.
• To determine if this self-choice effect aligns with or contradicts established rational choice theory.
• To explore the underlying mechanisms of enhanced performance in self-chosen reward scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Comparative performance analysis of reward schedules chosen by a monkey versus those assigned by a computer.
• Utilizing a modified temporal-difference learning model for theoretical analysis.
• Measuring behavioral responses and performance metrics in a reward-seeking task.

Main Results:

• Monkeys demonstrated improved performance and assigned higher subjective value to reward schedules they actively chose compared to identical schedules assigned by a computer.
• This enhanced value and performance associated with self-choice were not predicted by standard rational choice theory.
• Theoretical modeling indicated an elevated schedule state value resulting from the act of self-choice.

Conclusions:

• Self-choice confers an intrinsic value to reward schedules, leading to enhanced performance in reward-seeking behavior.
• This finding challenges the tenets of pure rational choice theory by highlighting the impact of agency on subjective value.
• The study suggests that subjective reward valuation is modulated by the experience of making a choice, impacting decision-making processes.