How the brain chooses between exploring new options and sticking with what it knows
Neurocomputational mechanisms of explore-exploit decision making in prefrontal and motivational neural circuits
This project looks at how front-of-brain and reward circuits drive choices to try new things or repeat known ones, with relevance to people who have rigid or impulsive decision-making.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249746 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will record activity from frontopolar and motivational brain regions to see which signals predict when an individual tries something new versus repeats a familiar choice. They will use computational models to link those brain signals to decision patterns in situations driven by reward or by avoiding harm. Much of the work uses detailed neural recordings in animal models to map circuit interactions that are hard to measure in people. The goal is to explain why some people become stuck in habits or make risky choices and to guide future human studies and treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with psychiatric conditions marked by rigid, repetitive behavior or excessive risk-taking (for example OCD, addiction, or some forms of depression) might be most relevant to this line of research.
Not a fit: Because this is early, primarily animal-based circuit work, individuals should not expect direct or immediate personal health benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal brain mechanisms behind inflexible or risky choices and point to targets for therapies to improve decision-making in psychiatric conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Prior human imaging studies have linked the frontopolar cortex and reward regions to exploration choices, but combining detailed circuit recordings with computational models, especially in primates, is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Costa, Vincent D — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Costa, Vincent D
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.