Reward Circuitry and the Basal Ganglia

Abstract

Cortical–basal ganglia circuitry and these integrative networks allow us to understand how stimuli might be transformed into actions that lead to desired, intended, or expected outcomes. The reward circuit plays a central and critical role in the network that drives incentive-based learning, appropriate responding to stimuli, and good decision-making [182]. Without reward, there is no reason to learn, to change behaviors, or to make decisions.