Behavioural and Neurocomputational Studies on the Value of Information

This thesis examines the behavioural and cognitive mechanisms underlying information-seeking behaviour in human decision-makers. Using computational modelling and functional magnetic resonance imaging, this research investigates the key components that influence the value of information, and identifies a central role of the human anterior cingulate cortex in processing the subjective value of information. This thesis also develops a computational modelling framework which provides a robust measure of individual differences in preferences for information, and accurately predicts information-seeking behaviour in humans. This framework can be used to identify traits or pathologies that underlie suboptimal information-seeking behaviour in both health and disease.