Frontal asymmetry predicts the incentive value of perceptual information.

Abstract

Information has been suggested to convey incentive value mediated by dopaminergic systems similar to those implicated in extrinsic reward. Although the reward characteristics of information have received preliminary support by behavioral and fMRI findings, EEG correlates and individual differences have not yet been examined. In the current study, a novel perceptual paradigm was developed to probe the associations between anticipation of perceptual information and frontal electroencephalographic alpha asymmetry, i.e., a marker of approach motivation. Assuming individual differences in engaging with perceptual information, trait openness was examined as a moderator of the associations. One hundred and twenty participants viewed partly visible photos that were gradually uncovered. After they indicated state levels of confidence and curiosity, the photos were fully disclosed. During anticipation of the fully disclosed stimuli, left-lateralized asymmetry linearly increased with curiosity. Moreover, a curvilinear relationship between confidence and left-lateralized asymmetry emerged, suggesting enhanced motivational activation during medium levels of uncertainty. The curvilinear relationship was moderated by trait openness, indicating individual differences in the responsiveness to perceptual uncertainty. In summary, our findings provide novel empirical evidence for the incentive motivational value of information.