A Modified Hopfield Model with Adjustable Activation Function for Buridan’s Assay

Previous findings suggest that the sensory neurons behind thirst and hunger are embedded in circulatory networks that project throughout the brain. The Buridan’s assay tests how a hungry and thirsty animal makes unitary choice under conflicting needs. In this case, the animals are attracted to two decision alternatives, having the characteristics of the attractor model. Therefore, we constructed a modified Hopfield model to understand the neural mechanism behind decision-making process in Buridan’s assay. Importantly, the activation function of the model can be adjusted according to prior decisions, mimicking the effects of reward satiation. Our model successfully reproduced the general neural firing pattern across trials as well as the decision dynamics between trials.