Multiple signals in anterior cingulate cortex
N Kolling1, Tej Behrens2, M K Wittmann1
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|January 18, 2016
Summary
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) processes commitment and exploration by updating beliefs and evaluating choice values, not just task difficulty. This suggests a complex role for ACC in decision-making and cognitive flexibility.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Decision-Making Research
Background:
- Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activity is associated with both action commitment and exploration.
- Previous theories primarily linked ACC function to task difficulty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for multiple signals within the ACC.
- To propose a revised understanding of ACC function beyond task difficulty.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of neuroimaging and cognitive neuroscience studies.
- Analysis of ACC activity patterns related to choice and belief updating.
Main Results:
- ACC contains signals for updating beliefs and internal models.
- ACC encodes choice value, including environmental 'search value'.
- ACC sensitivity to task difficulty can be explained by network properties.
Conclusions:
- ACC's role extends beyond task difficulty to include belief updating and value encoding.
- Multiple signals in ACC support both commitment and exploration in decision-making.
- Cortical network properties help explain ACC's multifaceted functions.
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