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October 11, 2025Open Access

The Reward Positivity Signals a Goal Prediction Error

JCJames F. CavanaghUniversity of New Mexico CHClay B. HolroydGhent University

Key Points

The reward positivity (RewP) primarily signals positive prediction error rather than general reward signals.
Research shows that RewP is produced by a critic-like architecture within the actor-critic framework of reinforcement learning.
The study emphasizes the RewP's function in cognitive control and goal attainment, moving beyond simple reward feedback.
This perspective challenges traditional views of the RewP as a mere indicator of received rewards.

Abstract

The Reward Positivity (RewP) is an electroencephalographic feature that emerges following performance feedback and is commonly understood to index both positive and negative reward prediction error (RPE) signals. Contrary to this dominant perspective, we argue that the RewP is an independent EEG feature that selectively responds to positive RPE and is superimposed over a common background signal. We further propose that the RewP signals a goal-prediction error: it is elicited by abstract signals instead of hedonic “rewards”. This goal prediction error appears to be produced by a critic-like architecture associated with the actor-critic framework in reinforcement learning. This perspective emphasizes the role of the RewP in goal attainment and cognitive control, as opposed to a simple indicator of reward receipt.

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