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The Reward Positivity signals a goal prediction error.

James F Cavanagh1, Clay B Holroyd2

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.

Trends in Cognitive Sciences
|January 3, 2026
PubMed
Summary

The Reward Positivity (RewP), an EEG signal, selectively indicates positive reward prediction errors (RPE+) and goal prediction errors, not all RPE signals. This finding reframes its role in cognitive control.

Keywords:
ERPRewPReward Positivitycriticgoalsreinforcement learning

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Computational Neuroscience

Background:

  • The Reward Positivity (RewP) is an electroencephalogram (EEG) feature linked to performance feedback.
  • It is widely interpreted as indexing both positive and negative reward-prediction error (RPE) signals.
  • This study challenges the dominant view of RewP's function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose that RewP selectively responds to positive RPE.
  • To introduce the concept of RewP signaling a goal prediction error.
  • To link RewP to abstract signals and critic-like architectures in reinforcement learning.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) data.
  • Theoretical modeling of reward prediction error signals.
  • Comparison of RewP response to different feedback types.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests RewP is an independent EEG feature.
  • RewP selectively responds to positive RPE, superimposed on a background signal.
  • RewP appears to signal a goal prediction error, elicited by abstract cues.

Conclusions:

  • The RewP is not a general index of RPE but specifically tracks positive RPE and goal prediction errors.
  • This suggests RewP's role in cognitive control and goal attainment, rather than just reward receipt.
  • The findings support a critic-like mechanism within actor-critic frameworks for goal-directed behavior.