Why do valence asymmetries emerge in value learning? A reinforcement learning account.

The Value Learning Task (VLT; e.g., Raymond & O'Brien, 2009) is widely used to investigate how acquired value impacts how we perceive and process stimuli.

Asymmetrical learning and memory for acquired gain versus loss associations.

Neutral stimuli can acquire value when people learn to associate them with positive or negative outcomes (i.e., gain versus loss associations).