Novelty-seeking and directed exploration scale with dissociable social network outcomes and brain systems in older adults
Christian Valtierra, Jeremy Hogeveen, Gabriella Mace, Samantha Moreno, Avery E. Ostrand, Sydney Griffith, Maria Jose Auil, Patrick A. McConnell, J Chen, Jennifer Mitchell, Gary R. Turner, Nathan Spreng, Adam H. Gazzaley, Lorenzo Pasquini
This study links undirected novelty seeking and goal-directed exploration in older adults to distinct social network outcomes and brain systems using fMRI and a social bandit reinforcement task.
bioRxiv · Sep 23, 2026 · PreprintNeuroscience