Interactions between Dorsolateral and Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Underlie Context-Dependent Stimulus Valuation in Goal-Directed Choice

Abstract

External circumstances and internal bodily states often change and require organisms to flexibly adapt valuation processes to select the optimal action in a given context. Here, we investigate the neurobiology of context-dependent valuation in 22 human subjects using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Subjects made binary choices between visual stimuli with three attributes (shape, color, and pattern) that were associated with monetary values. Context changes required subjects to deviate from the default shape valuation and to integrate a second attribute to comply with the goal to maximize rewards. Critically, this binary choice task did not involve any conflict between opposing monetary, temporal, or social preferences. We tested the hypothesis that interactions between regions of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) implicated in self-control choices would also underlie the more general function of context-dependent valuation. Consistent with this idea, we found that the degree to which stimulus attributes were reflected in vmPFC activity varied as a function of context. In addition, activity in dlPFC increased when context changes required a reweighting of stimulus attribute values. Moreover, the strength of the functional connectivity between dlPFC and vmPFC was associated with the degree of context-specific attribute valuation in vmPFC at the time of choice. Our findings suggest that functional interactions between dlPFC and vmPFC are a key aspect of context-dependent valuation and that the role of this network during choices that require self-control to adjudicate between competing outcome preferences is a specific application of this more general neural mechanism.

Dorsolateral–Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Interactions during Value-Guided Choice: A Function of Context or Difficulty?

“…Moreover, analysis of interindividual variability revealed that dlPFC-vmPFC interactions during Bonus choices correlated positively with encoding of relative bonus values in vmPFC. Based on this and previous work (Hare et al, 2009), Rudorf and Hare (2014) speculate that the dlPFC sig-nals a context switch to the vmPFC, and initiates a reweighting of stimulus values necessary for context-dependent value maximization, even in situations that lack conflict between competing reward types.…”

“…In summary, Rudorf and Hare (2014) provide additional evidence for proposed functions of vmPFC and dlPFC during decisionmaking. Crucially, they demonstrate that interactions between the dlPFC and vmPFC play a role in context-dependent, value-based choice, even in the absence of conflicting reward outcomes.…”

“…Indeed, interactions between the two areas have previously beendetectedduringvalue-basedchoiceinthe presence of conflicting desires requiring selfregulation, for instance in dieters assigning higher relative value to healthy rather than tasty food options (Hare et al, 2009). Extending earlier work, Rudorf and Hare recently published a study in The Journal of Neuroscience suggesting that dlPFC-vmPFC interactions in fact offer a general mechanism for context-dependent valuation that is nonspecific to self-regulation of conflicting reward types (Rudorf and Hare, 2014).…”

“…Given dlPFC's role in working memory and mental manipulation (Lee and Seo, 2007), the region may signal a change in upcoming difficulty and prepare for a more resource-demanding process. Indeed, Rudorf and Hare (2014) suggest that engagement of dlPFC may reflect the recruitment of attentional resources during Bonus trials.…”

Cognitivism, Motivation, and Dual-Process Approaches to Normative Judgment

“…it appears that these circuits constitute distinct control systems that can compete with or influence the activity of the (a)-(c) circuits. For example, purposefully focusing one's attention on the healthiness of food options can affect one's eating choices, and this effect appears to be mediated by activity in the dlPFC modulating activity in the vmPFC (Hare, Malmaud, & rangel 2011;see also Baumgartner, Knoch, Hotz, eisenegger, & Fehr 2011;Botvinick & Braver 2015;Hare et al 2009;Hutcherson, Plassmann, Gross, & rangel 2012;Ocshner & Gross 2005;Plassmann, O'Doherty, Shiv, & rangel 2008;rudorf & Hare 2014;Shenhav et al 2013;Sokol-Hessner, Hutcherson, Hare, & rangel 2012). These changes can also be broadcast back to (a) and (b) circuitry, thereby influencing one's motivation (Pujara & Koenigs 2014).…”