The Reward Positivity Signals a Goal Prediction Error

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.