The Temporal Dynamics of Cortical Normalization Models of Decision-making

Authors

  • Thomas LoFaro Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Gustavus Adolphus College Author
  • Kenway Louie Center for Neural Science, New York University and Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Decision Making, New York University Author
  • Ryan Webb Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto Author
  • Paul W. Glimcher Center for Neural Science, New York University and Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Decision Making, New York University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30707/LiB1.2Lofaro

Keywords:

neuroscience, neuroeconomics, cortical normalization, differential equations

Abstract

Normalization is a widespread neural computation in both early sensory coding and higher-order processes such as attention and multisensory integration. It has been shown that during decision-making, normalization implements a context-dependent value code in parietal cortex. In this paper we develop a simple differential equations model based on presumed neural circuitry that implements normalization at equilibrium and predicts specific time-varying properties of value coding. Moreover, we show that when parameters representing value are changed, the solution curves change in a manner consistent with normalization theory and experiment. We show that these dynamic normalization models naturally implement a time-discounted normalization over past activity, implying an intrinsic reference-dependence in value coding of a kind seen experimentally. These results suggest that a single network mechanism can explain transient and sustained decision activity, reference dependence through time discounting, and hence emphasizes the importance of a dynamic rather than static view of divisive normalization in neural coding.

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Published

2023-11-11

Issue

Section

Research

How to Cite

The Temporal Dynamics of Cortical Normalization Models of Decision-making. (2023). Letters in Biomathematics, 1(2), 209-220. https://doi.org/10.30707/LiB1.2Lofaro

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