主题：Neurobiology of Attention in Decision Making

主讲人：Richard Ebstein

时间：2021年06月29日（星期二）下午7:00-7:25

地点：西南财经大学柳林校区弘远楼311室

主讲内容:

    我们提供了一个注意力的神经化学模型，它通过多巴胺（DA）、血清素（5HT）和去甲肾上腺素（NE）这三种神经递质分别调节增益、损失和注意力处理，在决策中发挥作用。在Zhong等人（2009年）应用DA和5HT音调来模拟风险态度中的损失-收益分化的基础上，我们提出了NE音调，包括集中在脑室（LC）的注意信息信使系统的元素，作为AU中注意功能的调制器。LC-NE系统有助于在两种主要的注意力模式之间进行切换：一种是参与和集中的开发模式，另一种是脱离和不集中的探索模式。相应地，NE神经元在涉及较高能量消耗的快速发射阶段性开发模式和较低能量消耗的缓慢发射强直模式之间进行切换。我们将NE的阶段性和强直性发射与注意功能的属性联系起来，并推导出将决策者的基因构成、LC脑激活、皮肤传导反应（SCR）和眼球运动与可观察到的选择行为联系起来的可检验的含义。值得注意的是，注意力功能中的损失厌恶得到了证据的支持，这些证据将不对称的损失-收益SCR和行为上的损失厌恶联系起来，即对现状周围的对称风险的厌恶。我们进一步讨论了如何测试我们的模型对NE基调对风险态度的四重模式的影响的预测--咖啡因/尼古丁水平升高会减少对偶数机会的收益（损失）的厌恶（容忍），增加对长期收益（损失）的偏好（厌恶）。综上所述，我们在决策中的注意力的LC-NE模型，涉及到神经元水平上的相位和强直模式之间的积极互动，为AU模型基础上的认知误区提供了一个神经生物学的解释。

    We offer a neurochemical model of attention and its role in decision making through a triad of neurotransmitters – dopamine (DA), serotonin (5HT), and norepinephrine (NE) – which modulate respectively gain, loss, and attention processing. Building on Zhong et al.’s (2009) application of DA and 5HT tones to model the loss-gain differentiation in risk attitude, we propose an NE tone, comprising the elements of the attention information messenger system concentrated in the locus coeruleus (LC), as a modulator of the attention function in AU. The LC-NE system facilitates switching between two primary modes of attentiveness: an exploitative mode which is engaged and focused versus an exploratory mode which is disengaged and unfocused. Correspondingly, the NE neuron switches between a rapid firing phasic exploitative mode involving higher energy expenditures and a slow-firing tonic mode with lower energy expenditures. We link NE phasic and tonic firing to properties of the attention function and derive testable implications linking the decision maker’s genetic makeup, LC brain activation, skin conductance response (SCR), and eye movement to observable choice behavior. Notably, attentional loss aversion in the attention function is supported by evidence linking asymmetric loss-gain SCR and behavioral loss aversion, i.e., aversion to symmetric risks around the status quo. We further discuss how to test the prediction of our model on the impact of NE tone on the fourfold pattern of risk attitude – an elevated level of caffeine/nicotine reduces aversion (tolerance) for even-chance gain (loss) and increases preference (aversion) for longshot gain (loss). Taken together, our LC-NE model of attention in decision making, involving an active interplay between phasic and tonic modes at the neuronal level, offers an neurobiological account of the cognitive miser underpinning the AU model.