Constructing value signals for food rewards: determinants and the integration. (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Suzuki, Shinsuke
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in behavioral sciences. Volume 46(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2022.101178
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-1546

Abstract

Abstract : Based on the recent findings in human decision sciences, we propose a neurocomputational mechanism for the construction of a value signal for a food reward. In dietary choice, an individual computes the subjective value of a food by integrating its nutritive attributes (e.g. carbohydrate, fat, and protein content) that are inferred from low-level visual information (e.g. colour). This process is implemented in a hierarchically organised brain structure, including the early visual, parietal, and prefrontal cortices. We also discuss the effects of other factors such as perceived tastiness and healthiness and how the value evolves through experience. The proposed architecture for food valuation would provide a stimulating hypothesis for future studies in diverse research fields. Highlights: Subjective values of foods guide our dietary choice. The food value is constructed by integrating its constitutive attributes. The attributes include visual, nutritive, and abstract features of the food. The integration is implemented in a hierarchically organised brain network.