In Vivo Electrophysiology for Reward Anticipation and Processing

Abstract

One of the humans’ most adaptive functions is the brain’s ability to predict future outcomes, especially regarding the ability to secure rewards. Neuroscience research studies in both healthy and psychiatric populations have provided important insights into the brain activity associated with both reward anticipation and processing. One effective method to measure reward-related brain activity is electroencephalography (EEG), a neuroimaging method with precise temporal resolution. This chapter highlights current research using electrophysiology to examine reward processing and anticipation in humans. We first review three event-related potential (ERP) components that are commonly associated with reward processes: the stimulus preceding negativity (SPN), the reward positivity (RewP), and the P300. Common paradigms designed to elicit the aforementioned ERP components are also reviewed. Such paradigms include gambling tasks, time estimation tasks, monetary incentive delay tasks, and delay discounting tasks. Next, we review previous literature using these paradigms to measure reward anticipation and processing in neurotypical adults. Finally, we briefly review previous research with psychiatric populations (e.g., individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse, and depression).