An adage posits that we learn from our mistakes; however, this is not entirely true. According to reinforcement learning theory, we learn when the expectation of our actions differs from outcomes. Here, we examined whether expectancy driven learning lends a role in motor learning. Given the vast amount of overlapping anatomy and circuitry within the brain with respect to reward and motor processes, it is appropriate to examine both motor control and expectancy processes within a singular task. In the current study, participants performed a line drawing task via tablet under conditions of changing expectancies. Participants were provided feedback in a reinforcement-learning manner, as positive (✓) or negative (x) based off their performance. Modulation of expected outcomes were reflected by changes in amplitude of the human event-related potential (ERP), the reward positivity. The reward positivity is thought to reflect phasic dopamine release from the mesolimbic dopaminergic system to the basal ganglia and cingulate cortex. Due to the overlapping circuitry of reward and motor pathways, another human ERP, the bereitschatftspotential (BP), was examined. The BP is implicated in motor planning and execution; however, the late aspect of the BP shares similarity with the contingent negative variability (CNV). Current evidence demonstrates a relationship between expectancy and reward positivity amplitude in a motor learning context, as well as modulation of the BP under difficult task conditions. Behavioural data supports prior literature and may suggest a connection between sensory motor prediction errors working in concert with reward prediction errors. Further evidence supports a frontal-medial evaluation system for motor errors. Additionally, results support prior evidence of motor plans being formed upon target observation and held in memory until motor execution, rather than their formation before movement onset. / Graduate
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:uvic.ca/oai:dspace.library.uvic.ca:1828/9992 |
| Date | 30 August 2018 |
| Creators | Trska, Robert |
| Contributors | Holroyd, Clay Brian, Krigolson, Olav |
| Source Sets | University of Victoria |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | Available to the World Wide Web |
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