Topic: positivity bias

Reinforcement Learning studies how animals and humans adapt to their environment by learning from experience which actions maximize reward acquisition. Extant research has focused on situations where learners receive veridical reward-feedback. However, as social beings, much of the feedback we receive is provided by others. Critically, such feedback may be misleading because others might manipulate us based on their own –even if well-intended– interests. For example, a colleague might spare your feelings, expressing enthusiasm regarding your imminent Cosyne submission when, they actually find