Mid-frontal Theta during Conflict in a Value-based Decision Task

Abstract Mid-frontal theta is a sensitive marker for cognitive conflict. However, most research focuses on control paradigms (e.g., the Flanker task). Here, we ask if mid-frontal also to response conflicts within value-based decision-making. We recorded electroencephalography activity during binary decision task. In this task, participants collected rewards in virtual two-dimensional world. each trial, presented two reward options that were either quick collect but smaller value, or took longer larger value. The subjective value of option was driven by options' and how quickly it could be reached. used task investigate three types potential conflicts: choice ambiguity, repetitions, temporal delay. manipulated ambiguity varying values options. For repetition, biased toward one trials then tested affected subsequent decision. delay making collect. behavioral results showed expected effects: Decision times shorter unambiguous choices, tendency repeat previous earlier available choices. Response-locked power increased switches as compared later option, found no effect ambiguity.