Reward modulates the effect of visual cortical microstimulation on perceptual decisions

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.07832
• Publication Date: 2015-09-24T11:55:35Z
• Authors: Nela Cicmil; Bruce G Cumming; Andrew J Parker; Kristine Krug
• Keywords: Microstimulation; Stimulus (psychology)

Effective perceptual decisions rely upon combining sensory information with knowledge of the rewards available for different choices. However, it is not known where reward signals interact multiple stages decision-making pathway and by what mechanisms this may occur. We combined electrical microstimulation functionally specific groups neurons in visual area V5/MT performance-contingent manipulation, while monkeys performed a discrimination task. Microstimulation was less effective shifting choices towards stimulus preferences stimulated when larger. Psychophysical control experiments showed result explained selective change response strategy on microstimulated trials. A bounded accumulation decision model, applied to analyse behavioural performance, revealed that interaction expected can be if modulates representation stage decision-making, addition better-known effects at integration stage.