The neural basis of value accumulation in intertemporal choice

Christian A. Rodriguez, Brandon M. Turner, Trisha Van Zandt, Samuel M. Mcclure

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

Making intertemporal choices (choosing between rewards available at different points in time) requires determining and comparing the subjective values of available rewards. Several studies have found converging evidence identifying the neural systems that encode subjective value in intertemporal choice. However, the neural mechanisms responsible for the process that produces intertemporal decisions on the basis of subjective values have not been investigated. Using model-based and connectivity analyses of functional magnetic resonance imaging data, we investigated the neural mechanisms underlying the value-accumulation process by which subjective value guides intertemporal decisions. Our results show that the dorsomedial frontal cortex, bilateral posterior parietal cortex, and bilateral lateral prefrontal cortex are all involved in the accumulation of subjective value for the purpose of action selection. Our findings establish a mechanistic framework for understanding frontoparietal contributions to intertemporal choice and suggest that value-accumulation processes in the frontoparietal cortex may be a general mechanism for value-based choice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2179-2189
Number of pages11
JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience
Volume42
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Frontoparietal cortex
  • Functional magnetic resonance imaging
  • Intertemporal choice
  • Linear ballistic accumulator model

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The neural basis of value accumulation in intertemporal choice'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this