An overview of reward prediction error and its links with dopamine

Reward prediction error (RPE) refers to the discrepancy between expected and actual rewards received during an event, signaling the difference between what was predicted and what actually happened. Dopaminergic neuron encodes RPE signals in the brain, and is responsible for updating reward expectations and influencing decision-making processes. The relationship between RPE and dopamine has led to research in understanding reward-driven learning and its implications on cognition and behavior. In this review, I will provide an overview of the principles, and task models used to quantify RPE. I will also discuss about the neural mechanisms underlying RPE generation, with a particular focus on the role of dopamine in encoding and transmitting RPE signals and enhance learning. Overall, this review highlights the importance of RPE in reward processing, decision-making, memory and so on, emphasizing its connection to dopamine.