Topic
Reward research, explained
5 open-access reward studies, each with a flashcard deck and a quiz.
- How the brain prepares for gains and losses using EEG and fMRI
The brain's anticipation of winning or losing money relies on a shared motivational system rather than separate reward and loss networks.
- Brain waves track risk separately from reward value
Brain waves that track feedback are strongly influenced by the level of risk a person takes, even when the average expected payoff remains exactly the same.
- How does the striatum process reward and punishment during learning?
Different subregions of the striatum handle unexpected feedback differently, with the front-bottom area responding to both reward and punishment, while the back-top area reacts only to unexpected reward.
- Mapping the Substantia Nigra Using Brain Connectivity Patterns
Researchers successfully divided the substantia nigra into distinct zones based on their connections to the striatum, revealing unique cellular properties and direct links to reward sensitivity.
- How does the brain process surprise in pleasant music?
People who find a piece of music highly enjoyable show increased activity and stronger connectivity in their brain's reward centers during unexpected musical moments.