Reward/Effort Trade-Off Behavioral Task
Objective: Compare dopaminergic and noradrenergic neuron activity in monkeys performing a task manipulating reward/effort trade-off to assess action selection, decision-making, and behavioral energization
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Protocol Steps
Task Design - Reward/Effort Trade-Off Manipulation
Monkeys perform a behavioral task where they make choices between options that vary in reward magnitude and effort cost required
Note: Task is designed to assess action selection and decision-making based on reward/effort parameters
View evidence from paper
“monkeys performing a task manipulating the reward/effort trade-off”
Electrophysiological Recording from Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta
Record activity from dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta during task performance
Note: Dopaminergic neurons encode expected reward and anticipate upcoming effort cost
View evidence from paper
“dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra pars compacta and noradrenergic neurons from the locus coeruleus in monkeys performing a task”
Electrophysiological Recording from Locus Coeruleus
Record activity from noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus during task performance
Note: Noradrenergic neuron firing increases with pupil dilation and effort production
View evidence from paper
“noradrenergic neurons from the locus coeruleus in monkeys performing a task”
Monitor Pupil Dilation
Measure pupil dilation as a correlate of noradrenergic system activity and behavioral energization
Note: Pupil dilation correlates with noradrenergic neuron firing and effort production
View evidence from paper
“firing of noradrenergic neurons increased with both pupil dilation and effort production”
Record Behavioral Choices and Effort Production
Document monkey choices between reward/effort options and measure effort expended during task performance
Note: Effort production is measured in relation to action selection and behavioral energization
View evidence from paper
“action selection and energization of behavior”