Neural dynamics in the orbitofrontal cortex reveal cognitive strategies

Abstract

While the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is implicated in learning and inferring latent states, the precise computation performed by OFC for state inference is unclear. Here we show that rat OFC updates beliefs about states, and this process is decipherable from OFC dynamics in rats performing state inference, but not alternative strategies. We trained rats to perform a temporal wagering task with hidden reward states. Well-trained rats used state inference when deciding how long to wait for rewards, and OFC inactivations impaired belief updating about states. Electrophysiology and novel population analysis methods identified latent neural factors reflecting inferred states in rats performing inference, but not other strategies. Neural firing rates and latent population factors showed abrupt changes following trials that were informative of state transitions. These results identify a precise computation performed by OFC, and reveal neural signatures of inference.