Introduction

Motivation, in its simplest definition, is to be moved to perform an action [1]. This definition for motivational control brings forth a fascinating question: What is the driving factor that moves us to perform an action? Our actions can be shown to be motivated by two distinct systems: first, value-based, outcome driven goal pursuit, and second, cue-triggered, habitual control. For example, imagine checking your email app in anticipation of an important message after having heard the notification sound — essentially a goal-directed behavior driven by an evaluation of the outcome. This same action can also be performed out of habit, when the notification sound prompts the checking behavior, even in inappropriate contexts such as when driving. This motivation-based distinction illustrates the dual action control system at work in guiding our behavior. Goal-directed behaviors are performed with the deliberate intent of attaining a valuable, desired outcome (e.g. important email). In contrast, habitual actions are driven by antecedent cues (e.g. the notification sound), such that an action can be executed despite the diminished value of the outcome (e.g. negative consequences of checking emails while driving) [2,3].