Comparing Apples and Oranges: Using Reward-Specific and Reward-General Subjective Value Representation in the Brain

摘要: The ability of human subjects to choose between disparate kinds rewards suggests that the neural circuits for valuing different reward types must converge. Economic theory these convergence points represent subjective values (SVs) on a common scale comparison. To examine hypotheses and map valuation we had food water-deprived make risky choices money, food, water both in out brain scanner. We found risk preferences across were highly correlated; level aversion an individual showed when choosing among monetary lotteries predicted their toward water. also partially distinct networks SVs specific points. hypothalamic region mainly represented SV posterior cingulate cortex money. In ventromedial prefrontal (vmPFC) striatum there was area representing types, but only vmPFC significantly money appropriate choice our data set. A correlation analysis demonstrated interactions areas striatum. This may suggest converge unified network, which enables direct comparison hence guides choice.