Using experience to improve: How errors shape behavior and brain activity in monkeys

Abstract

1Previous works have shown that neurons from the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) 2 represent several elements of perceptual decisions. One of the most striking findings 3 was that, after the outcome of the choice is known, neurons from PMv encode all the 4 information necessary for evaluating the decision process. These results prompted us to 5 suggest that this cortical area could be involved in shaping future behavior. In this work, 6 we have characterized neuronal activity and behavioral performance as a function of the 7 outcome of the previous trial. We found that the outcome of the immediately previous 8 trial (n-1) significantly changes, in the current trial (n), the activity of single cells and 9 behavioral performance. The outcome of trial n-2, however, does not affect either 10 behavior or neuronal activity. Moreover, the outcome of difficult trials had a greater 11 impact on performance and recruited more PMv neurons than the outcome of easy trials. 12These results give strong support to our suggestion that PMv neurons evaluate the 13 decision process and use this information to modify future behavior.14 All rights reserved. No reuse allowed without permission.(which was not peer-reviewed) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity.