are perhaps more in agreement with the reinforcement learning hypothesis (gain against loss) by differentiating ORN features specific to ‘loss’ as against ‘gain’. As shown in Fig. 5, the distinction of gain vs. loss (valence) is processed earlier (200-400 ms) while the differentiation of large vs. small (amount) is processed later (after 400 ms) in the human brain. As the amplitude represents the intensity of neural/cognitive processing, the higher amplitude during the early window indicates a more intensive/active processing for the gain outcomes (+50 and +10). This intensity of processing is however taken over by the larger amounts (+50 and −50) at the later time window. This processing (based on amount) remains dominant until 800 ms (as shown in Fig. 5), indicating a persistent neural/cognitive state based on how much has been lost or gained.
