How recent experiences influence our ability to adapt behavior

Understanding the Role of Quantitative Internal Signals in Behavioral Flexibility

NIH-funded research Rockefeller University · NIH-11080996

This study is looking at how our brains learn from recent experiences to help us make better choices, and it's designed for anyone curious about how we adapt our actions based on what we've just experienced.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRockefeller University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11080996 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how our brains use very recent experiences to update expectations and guide our behavior. By studying neural activity in animal models, the project aims to understand how signals related to decision-making and reward influence our ability to adapt our actions. The researchers will analyze how these internal signals, such as ramping neural activity and reward-prediction errors, contribute to behavioral flexibility. This understanding could provide insights into cognitive processes that are crucial for adaptive behavior in humans.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autism spectrum disorder who may benefit from improved understanding of behavioral adaptation.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to behavioral flexibility or cognitive adaptation may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of cognitive flexibility, potentially leading to better interventions for conditions like autism.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neural correlates of behavior in animal models, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.