Integrated externally and internally generated task predictions jointly guide cognitive control in prefrontal cortex

Abstract

Cognitive control proactively configures information processing to suit expected task demands. Predictions of forthcoming demand can be driven by explicit external cues or be generated internally, based on past experience (cognitive history). However, it is not known whether and how the brain reconciles these two sources of information to guide control. Pairing a probabilistic task-switching paradigm with computational modeling, we found that external and internally generated predictions jointly guide task preparation, with a bias for internal predictions. Using model-based neuroimaging, we then show that the two sources of task prediction are integrated in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and jointly inform a representation of the likelihood of a change in task demand, encoded in frontoparietal cortex. Upon task-stimulus onset, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex encoded the need for reactive task-set adjustment. These data reveal how the human brain integrates external cues and cognitive history to prepare for an upcoming task.

The Role of Proactive and Reactive Cognitive Control for Target Selection in Multiple-Target Search

“…The activation patterns associated with free switches are similar to previously reported activations related to proactive control demand (Irlbacher et al, 2014;Jiang et al, 2018). In addition to parietal and posterior frontal activity as was also observed for imposed switches, two key activations are of primary importance here.…”

“…However, experienced conflict in Jiang et al (2018) may have been stronger due to the fact that participants were explicitly cued as to which task to expect, while in our study any build-up of expectations was left to the observer. Furthermore, unlike in the Jiang et al study, observers did not have to manage a target-specific stimulus-response mapping in our study.…”

Prefrontal reinstatement of contextual task demand is predicted by separable hippocampal patterns

“…3a). One reinforcement learning model (contextual model) simulated the learning of CTD 16 , and a second reinforcement learning model (temporal model) simulated context-insensitive learning of task demand through temporal information 23,24 . Prior work indicates that modelbased predictions of task demand facilitate behavioral performance when the predictions match the actual task demand 23,24 .…”

“…One reinforcement learning model (contextual model) simulated the learning of CTD 16 , and a second reinforcement learning model (temporal model) simulated context-insensitive learning of task demand through temporal information 23,24 . Prior work indicates that modelbased predictions of task demand facilitate behavioral performance when the predictions match the actual task demand 23,24 . In an analogous manner, we tested whether the CTD was learned by (a) computing trial-level prediction error in the contextual model, defined as the discrepancy between the predicted and actual task demand, and (b) determining whether contextual prediction error accounted for variance in trial-wise accuracy and response time (RT).…”

“…Retrieval of the task-set that is relevant for impending goals is essential for flexible and efficient behavior. Prior work suggests that retrieval of task demand can be facilitated by the prediction of the relevant task-set in a probabilistic manner 23,42 . In real life, the spatial contexts we live in are often strong predictors of task demands.…”