EEG biomarkers of reinforcement learning and motivation: A multi-task battery
Journal:
bioRxiv
Published Date:
Jul 2, 2026
Abstract
Serotonin and dopamine make dissociable contributions to reinforcement learning (RL) sub-components, yet we lack neural biomarkers capable of detecting their differential effects. Here, we report the development of a five-task EEG battery designed to probe these dissociable RL mechanisms. Using a model-free analytical approach in healthy volunteers, we identify distinct neural markers across probabilistic instrumental learning, motivational vigour, Pavlovian-instrumental transfer, reversal learning, and a working memory-RL task. A centro-parietal P300 tracked incremental learning across three paradigms and showed cross-task convergent validity. Readiness potentials and beta suppression indexed value-based motor preparation, while frontal theta captured Pavlovian-instrumental conflict. The largely independent pattern across markers supports the battery's capacity to detect selective pharmacological effects on distinct neural systems.
