Novelty, uncertainty, and the looming horizon

Novelty and uncertainty are powerful drivers of exploration that are often conflated. In this issue of Neuron, Cockburn and colleagues dissociate the two and report a key interaction: close to task termination, novel options appear much more attractive relative to uncertain options.

Automated summary

Novelty and uncertainty are important factors that drive exploration, but they are distinct. Close to task termination, novel options are more attractive compared to uncertain options.