Reinforcement Learning and the Error -Related Negativity: A Computational and Neurophysiological Investigation

"This thesis presents a unified account of two neural systems concerned with the development and expression of adaptive behaviors: a mesencephalic dopamine system for reinforcement learning, and a ""generic"" error-processing system associated with anterior cingulate cortex. The existence of the error-processing system has been inferred from the ""Error-Related Negativity,"" a component of the event-related brain potential elicited when human subjects commit errors in reaction-time tasks. It is proposed that the Error-Related Negativity is generated when a negative reinforcement learning signal is conveyed to anterior cingulate cortex via the mesencephalic dopamine system, and that this signal is utilized by anterior cingulate cortex to modify performance on the task at hand. Support for this proposal is provided using both computational modelling and psychophysiological experimentation."

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Neuroscience

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Holroyd, Clay Brian

Contributors dc:contributor

• Coles, Michael G.H.

• Psychology, Psychobiology

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI9996640

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/82547