RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Model-based learning deficits in compulsivity are linked to faulty representations of task structure
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 2020.06.11.147447
DO 10.1101/2020.06.11.147447
A1 Tricia X.F. Seow
A1 Redmond O’Connell
A1 Claire M. Gillan
YR 2020
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2020/06/12/2020.06.11.147447.abstract
AB Individuals with higher levels of compulsivity exhibit poorer performance on tasks that require model-based planning but the underlying causes have yet to be established. Here, we sought to determine whether these deficits stem from impoverished action-outcome relational knowledge (i.e. issues building an accurate model of the world) and/or an inability to translate models into action. 192 participants performed a two-step reinforcement learning task with concurrent EEG recordings. We found that representations of task-relevant action-outcome associations reflected in reaction time and parietal-occipital alpha-band power were stronger in individuals whose decisions were more model-based, and critically, were weaker in those high in compulsivity. At the time of choice, mid-frontal theta power, a general marker of cognitive control, was also negatively associated with compulsivity, but not model-based planning. These data suggest that model-based planning deficits in compulsive individuals may arise from failures in building an accurate model of the world.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.