Here, we propose an integrative account of dACC function that strives to avoid these pitfalls. We build on one observation which

appears to be widely and consistently agreed upon: that dACC is engaged by tasks that demand cognitive control. Broadly, this can be defined as the set of mechanisms required to pursue a goal, especially when distraction and/or strong (e.g., habitual) competing responses must be overcome. Numerous meta-analyses of the neuroimaging literature have confirmed the dACC’s involvement in control-demanding tasks ( Nee et al., 2007, Z-VAD-FMK research buy Niendam et al., 2012, Ridderinkhof et al., 2004 and Shackman et al., 2011), and these have been supplemented by evidence of a causal relationship between dACC and cognitive control. For instance, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI),

Metzler-Baddeley and colleagues (2012) showed that older adults with lower white matter integrity in the anterior cingulum bundle (the white matter bundle projecting to/from dACC) performed more poorly on control-demanding tasks. Despite the strong consensus that dACC is involved in cognitive control, there is little agreement about the specific function(s) it subserves. Here, we synthesize a number of existing proposals concerning the role of dACC into a single theoretical account and show how this can be reconciled with empirical findings concerning dACC function. Specifically, we propose that the dACC integrates Selleckchem Ribociclib information about the reward and costs that can be expected from a control-demanding task, in order to estimate a quantity we refer to as the expected value of control (EVC). Put simply, EVC represents the net value associated with allocating control to a given task. We propose that dACC estimates this quantity in order to determine whether it

is worth investing control in a task, how much should be invested and, when several potential tasks are in contention, which is the most worthwhile. We assume that this information is used to select among competing tasks and allocate the appropriate amount of control to performance of the one selected. This proposal ascribes to dACC a specific decision making function regarding next the allocation of control that is distinct from other control-related functions, such as the valuative ones that provide input to the decision and the regulative ones responsible for executing it; these are presumed to be subserved by other neural mechanisms. We begin by establishing some foundational points concerning cognitive control and its constituent functions that are necessary for framing the EVC theory and our consideration of dACC. We then introduce the basic elements of the EVC theory. Finally, we review key findings and existing theoretical proposals from the dACC literature, relating these to the EVC theory.