The neural representation of value and individual differences in human intertemporal choice

摘要: Intertemporal choices, or decisions that involve tradeoffs between rewards and time, are ubiquitous in our daily lives. The tendency to devalue, discount, future has been linked maladaptive long-term health financial outcomes. Despite their broad clinical relevance, individual differences discounting preferences poorly understood. In this thesis, we make progress on the understanding of neural basis these factors affect differences. first two chapters focus neurobiology. Chapter 2 investigates decision-related variables best explain observed patterns BOLD activity ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) ventral striatum (VS) during intertemporal choice. We find regions carry different signals likely contribute stages choice process. Across brain, four kinds value-responsive regions, each carrying combinations value-related signals. Next, examine whether can predict participants' choices from any all groups most with interesting exceptions. 3, identify a novel brain predictor discounting. When participants making judgments about how far away some number days feels, discount rates, measured week later, be predicted VMPFC VS respond as function temporal distance. This difference basic response delayed time intervals could target for interventions aiming reduce rates. final chapter, several behavioral manipulations able rates persistently significant degree. there is general lack knowledge normative strategy monetary task, providing information - accept offers provide higher interest than one obtain elsewhere reduces significantly, at least month. Information peers' strategies also Taken together, work advances further suggests used