Behavioural and neural correlates of the Iowa gambling task

Chen, Vera J. (2013). Behavioural and neural correlates of the Iowa gambling task. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The current set of studies aimed to examine reward related learning on the Iowa gambling task (IGT) in younger and older healthy adults as well as patients with brain injury. The studies look at the relationship of reward-based learning, non-reward related rule learning, emotion processes, and executive function abilities. The investigations also examine neural correlates of reward-based learning using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) with brain-injured patients and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) method with younger healthy adults. No significant age related effects were found on IGT performance. A significant positive association was found for IGT performance and classification of positive valence pictures while controlling for apathy scale scores. Mapping of grey matter correlates of early learning for reward-based learning (IGT) and non-reward related rule learning (BRFS) revealed a similar left frontal pole neural correlate for both tasks and the differential right caudate association for reward-based learning on the IGT. For the fMRI investigation, general decision-making on the IGT in healthy younger adults involved left orbitofrontal cortex, right anterior cingulate, middle and inferior frontal gyrus. Learning in the IGT involved the right cerebellum, left frontal pole, and left caudate. Amygdala involvement was also found.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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