Multiple choice neurodynamical model of the uncertain option task

Abstract

The uncertain option task has been recently adopted to investigate the neural systems underlying the decision confidence. Latterly single neurons activity has been recorded in lateral intraparietal cortex of monkeys performing an uncertain option task, where the subject is allowed to opt for a small but sure reward instead of making a risky perceptual decision. We propose a multiple choice model implemented in a discrete attractors network. This model is able to reproduce both behavioral and neurophysiological experimental data and therefore provides support to the numerous perspectives that interpret the uncertain option task as a sensory-motor association. The model explains the behavioral and neural data recorded in monkeys as the result of the multistable attractor landscape and produces several testable predictions. One of these predictions may help distinguish our model from a recently proposed continuous attractor model.This work was supported by MINECO (PSI2013-42091-P), Agència de Gestio d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (AGAUR-2014SGR856), European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant DYSTRUCTURE (n. 295129), FlagERA ChampMouse PCIN-2015- 127 and FET-Flagship HPB-SGA1 (720270). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript