1
|
Cope LM, Gheidi A, Martz ME, Duval ER, Khalil H, Allerton T, Morrow JD. A mechanical task for measuring sign- and goal-tracking in humans: A proof-of-concept study. Behav Brain Res 2023; 436:114112. [PMID: 36115435 PMCID: PMC10153473 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cue-based associative learning (i.e., Pavlovian conditioning) is a foundational component of behavior in almost all forms of animal life and may provide insight into individual differences in addiction liability. Cues can take on incentive-motivational properties (i.e., incentive salience) through Pavlovian learning. Extensive testing with non-human animals (primarily rats) has demonstrated significant variation among individuals in the behaviors this type of learning evokes. So-named "sign-trackers" and "goal-trackers" have been examined in many studies of non-human animals, but this work in humans is still a nascent area of research. In the present proof-of-concept study, we used a Pavlovian conditioned approach task to investigate human sign- and goal-tracking in emerging adults. Conditioned behaviors that developed over the course of the task were directed toward the reward-cue and toward the reward location. Participants' eye-gaze and behavior during the task were submitted to a latent profile analysis, which revealed three groups defined as sign-trackers (n = 10), goal-trackers (n = 4), and intermediate responders (n = 36). Impulsivity was a significant predictor of the sign-tracking group relative to the goal-tracking group. The present study provides preliminary evidence that a simple procedure can produce learned Pavlovian conditioned approach behavior in humans. Though further investigation is required, findings provide a promising step toward the long-term goal of translating important insights gleaned from basic research into treatment strategies that can be applied to clinical populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L M Cope
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Center, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - A Gheidi
- Biomedical Science Research Building, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - M E Martz
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Center, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - E R Duval
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - H Khalil
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - T Allerton
- Biomedical Science Research Building, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - J D Morrow
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Center, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biomedical Science Research Building, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|