Context-sensitivity of the feedback-related negativity for zero-value feedback outcomes

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Decision Making

Background:

• The feedback-related negativity (FRN) is an electroencephalography (EEG) component reflecting reward prediction errors.
• Understanding FRN variations is crucial for interpreting cognitive processes related to feedback and expectation.
• The impact of zero-value feedback on FRN, particularly its context dependency, remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if identical zero-value feedback stimuli elicit differential FRN amplitudes based on outcome expectations.
• To explore the neural sources underlying FRN variations in response to expected versus unexpected zero-value outcomes.
• To examine the role of unexpectedness and salience in modulating FRN amplitudes.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-one healthy volunteers participated in a monetary incentive delay (MID) task.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded throughout the task.
• Source localization techniques were applied to analyze neural activity.

Main Results:

• FRN amplitudes were more negative for unexpected zero-value outcomes compared to expected gains or losses.
• Surprisingly, expected zero-value outcomes elicited the most negative FRN amplitudes.
• Source localization revealed less activation in cingulate areas for expected zero-value outcomes compared to unexpected ones.

Conclusions:

• Identical zero-value feedback stimuli demonstrate context dependency in eliciting FRN.
• Incentive cues in the MID task generate distinct reward prediction error signals with varying FRN amplitudes and neural sources.
• These findings necessitate careful consideration of context and prediction signals in future FRN research.