Reward

Question 1

What is the mesolimbic dopamine pathway?

Answer 1

Ventral tegmental area (VTA) → nucleus accumbens; central to reward processing.

Question 2

What is the role of dopamine in reward?

Answer 2

It signals reward prediction error; reinforces behaviours associated with rewards.

Question 3

How does the prefrontal cortex influence reward-based decision-making?

Answer 3

It evaluates risk, reward value, and exerts top-down control over impulsive actions.

Question 4

What is reward prediction error?

Answer 4

The difference between expected and received reward; dopamine firing increases with unexpected reward.

Question 5

Which dopamine pathways are involved in reward?

Answer 5

Mesolimbic (VTA → Nucleus accumbens) and mesocortical (VTA → PFC).

Question 6

How does addiction hijack the reward system?

Answer 6

Drugs increase dopamine release or prevent its reuptake, reinforcing compulsive behavior despite negative consequences.