A single neuron correlate of a change-of-mind

Making a change-of-mind (CoM) is essential to flexible, volitional behavior (free will), but so far this behavior has not been directly measured alongside clear localization of single neuron firing patterns. Here, in rats performing corrective actions, we recorded neuronal activity from the anterior cingulate cortex which has a role in monitoring past actions and outcomes. We found that neuronal activity scales with the size of corrective action. One set of neurons responded after the CoM and after outcomes such as rewards, thus multiplexing information about past performance. Another set of neurons responded during the CoM and was not outcome responsive. Our work demonstrates a single neuron correlate for CoM in the anterior cingulate cortex, which is distinct from its role in retrospective performance monitoring.