ABSTRACT
The capacity to predict when and where affectively significant events will occur is central for the survival of most organisms, including humans. Such predictions are often learned through direct experience, and facilitate the optimization of behavioral responses in order to maximize the probability of obtaining rewards and avoiding punishments. In this chapter I will review the current state of knowledge about the neural mechanisms that underpin learning about rewards and punishments through experience. This will be done with particular emphasis on research into this question using functional neuroimaging (particularly fMRI) in humans, but where appropriate I will put this human research into context alongside relevant studies being performed on this issue using animal models.
