Impaired acquisition of goal-directed action in healthy aging

摘要: According to dual-system theories, instrumental learning is supported by dissociable goal-directed and habitual systems. Previous investigations of the balance in healthy aging have yielded mixed results. To further investigate this issue, we compared performance young (17–24 years) older (69–84 adults on an task. Following initial phase, behavioral autonomy motivational significance outcome was assessed with outcome-devaluation test slips-of-action test. The present study provides evidence for a disrupted aging, as reflected reduced outcome-induced conflict during acquisition, well impaired stage, which participants had flexibly adjust their actions changes current desirability outcome. These findings will be discussed relation previous studies into control, other cognitive impairments, challenges that may face everyday life, neurobiological basis developmental pattern action across lifespan.