Guest Presenter:
Anjali Raja Beharelle
Post-Doc, Department of Economics, University of Zurich
Talk Title: "Decisions to explore are preceded by increased baseline arousal."
Abstract: Exploration behavior can be observed across all species and is critical for survival and progress. The noradrenergic arousal system is thought to play a key role in facilitating exploratory behavior, but most evidence for this claim is derived from animal neurophysiological studies or computational models. I will discuss our recent study using a combined approach of fMRI, pupillometry, computational modeling that demonstrate that exploratory behavior in humans may be triggered by context-adaptive responses of the arousal system. Our findings highlight the link between arousal and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) function and its importance in initiating exploration. Finally, I will show that increased sensitivity of both arousal and neural activity during exploratory states may improve behavioral flexibility and performance.
MRI Users Workshops are monthly informal gatherings for users who are interested in getting to know each other and talking science. The workshop is open to all, and students and postdocs are particularly encouraged to attend.
Workshops are taking on a new format this semester- they will involve a short presentation of work (15-25 minutes) with an extended discussion at the end.
Workshops take place on the fourth Friday of each month at 1:00pm, in the Psychology Building, Room 217. To receive meeting details and related MRI announcements, please complete a request form and specify that you would like to be added to the CCBBI mailing list.
