ArticleCurrent opinion in behavioral sciences2021
The Role of Executive Function in Shaping Reinforcement Learning.
Article in Current opinion in behavioral sciences, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 31 papers.
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Who cites it
31 citing papers in PubMed.
- The Effect of Integrated Aerobic and Cognitive Training (Activ4Brain) on Cognition and Neurophysiology in Older Adults: Protocol for a Controlled Trial.JMIR research protocols · 2026Article
- Modeling decision dynamics disentangles working memory, cognitive control and reinforcement learning and reveals clinical differences.PLoS computational biology · 2026Article
- A habit and working memory model as an alternative account of human reward-based learning.Nature human behaviour · 2026Article
- Neurocomputational mechanisms of social presence effects on instrumental learning.Communications biology · 2025Article
- How working memory and reinforcement learning interact when avoiding punishment and pursuing reward concurrently.Journal of experimental psychology. General · 2025Article
- The distinct functions of working memory and intelligence in model-based and model-free reinforcement learning.NPJ science of learning · 2025Article
- Dual process impairments in reinforcement learning and working memory systems underlie learning deficits in physiological anxiety.PLoS computational biology · 2025Article
- Nucleus accumbens dopamine release reflects Bayesian inference during instrumental learning.PLoS computational biology · 2025Article
- Computational markers show specific deficits for dyslexia and ADHD in complex learning settings.NPJ science of learning · 2025Article
- Adaptive Reinforcement Learning is causally supported by Anterior Cingulate Cortex and Striatum.bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology · 2025Article
- Assessing executive functioning in higher education: development and structural validation of a new self-report scale.Frontiers in psychology · 2025Article
- Semantic Anchors Facilitate Task Encoding in Continual Learning.Open mind : discoveries in cognitive science · 2025Article
- Reward Reinforcement Creates Enduring Facilitation of Goal-directed Behavior.Journal of cognitive neuroscience · 2024Article
- Thalamocortical architectures for flexible cognition and efficient learning.Trends in cognitive sciences · 2024Review
- The challenge of learning adaptive mental behavior.Journal of psychopathology and clinical science · 2024Article
- Latent-state and model-based learning in PTSD.Trends in neurosciences · 2024Review
- The construction and use of cognitive maps in model-based control.Journal of experimental psychology. General · 2024Article
- An electrophysiological and behavioral investigation of feedback-based learning in aphasia.Aphasiology · 2024Article
- The neurocognitive role of working memory load when Pavlovian motivational control affects instrumental learning.PLoS computational biology · 2023Article
- How does apathy impact exploration-exploitation decision-making in older patients with neurocognitive disorders?npj aging · 2023Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
Abstract
Reinforcement learning (RL) models have advanced our understanding of how animals learn and make decisions, and how the brain supports some aspects of learning. However, the neural computations that are explained by RL algorithms fall short of explaining many sophisticated aspects of human decision making, including the generalization of learned information, one-shot learning, and the synthesis of task information in complex environments.. Instead, these aspects of instrumental behavior are assumed to be supported by the brain's executive functions (EF). We review recent findings that highlight the importance of EF in learning. Specifically, we advance the theory that EF sets the stage for canonical RL computations in the brain, providing inputs that broaden their flexibility and applicability. Our theory has important implications for how to interpret RL computations in the brain and behavior.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.