RESEARCH
Our laboratory studies how humans exert control over their thoughts and behavior, and how this control can break down. Cognitive control is a central aspect of many higher-level functions, such as attention and working memory. Further, the loss of cognitive control is a major component of many neuropsychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia. The ultimate goal of our research is to contribute to an understanding of how cognitive control emerges in the brain, in terms of the interactions between neural processing elements, and without recourse to “homunculus”- type explanations. Further, we wish to understand the role that loss of cognitive control plays in psychopathology, and what underlying pathophysiology gives rise to such control deficits. To achieve these goals, we use computational modeling and convergent cognitive neuroscience methods.
CURRENT FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS
Effort-Based Decision Making & Motivated Behavior (Barch, PI) R37MH066031
Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control (Braver, PI) R37MH066078
M4: Mindfulness Mechanisms and Methods Meeting (Braver, PI) R13AT011981
21/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM (Barch, Heath, Madden, PIs) U01 DA051038-01
RECENTLY COMPLETED RESEARCH
Neural Mechanisms of Mindfulness (Braver, PI)
Interactions of Motivation & Cognitive Control in Older Adult Decision-Making
BRAIN
COGNITION
- Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control
- Effort & Reward
- Psychopathology
- Rapid Instruction Task Learning