Studying neural responses for multi-component economic choices in human and non-human primates using concept-based behavioral choice experiments

Abstract

Realistic, everyday rewards contain multiple components, such as taste and size. However, our reward valuations and the associated neural reward signals are single dimensional (vector to scalar transformation). Here, we present a protocol to identify these single-dimensional neural responses for multi-component choice options in humans and monkeys using concept-based behavioral choice experiments. We describe the use of stringent economic concepts to develop and implement behavioral tasks. We detail regional neuroimaging in humans and fine-grained neurophysiology in monkeys and describe approaches for data analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to our work on humans Seak et al.¹ and Pastor-Bernier et al.² and monkeys Pastor-Bernier et al. ³, Pastor-Bernier et al.⁴, and Pastor-Bernier et al.⁵.

Keywords: Behavior; Cognitive Neuroscience; Model Organisms; Neuroscience; Systems biology.