Topic: temporal discounting

Causal inference based on temporal relationships is fundamental for adaptive, intelligent behavior. However, standard value-based reinforcement learning (RL) models learn estimates of temporally discounted average future reward, leading to ambiguity about future reward timing and magnitude. Extending these algorithms to learn a set of values that differ in their sensitivity to reward prediction errors (RPEs) and temporal discounting can support inference. Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons, known to encode RPEs, display signatures of learning about distributions of reward magnitude. However, it is

Sex is an important factor in the progression and treatment of alcohol addiction, and therapeutic approaches may have to be tailored to potential sex differences. This highlights the importance of understanding sex differences in behaviors that reflect key elements of clinical alcohol addiction, such as compulsive use.Large populations of genetically heterogeneous male and female Wistar rats were tested in an established model of compulsive alcohol self-administration, operationalized as alcohol responding despite contingent foot shock punishment. We also tested baseline alcohol self-administr