How the brain decides between different ways to learn from experiences
Official title: Circuit mechanisms of arbitration between distinct reinforcement learning systems
Funded at New York University · NIH-11035108 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains make decisions based on what we've learned, especially when we're in new situations, and it aims to help us understand how different parts of the brain work together to guide our choices, which could be useful for everyone, including those with learning challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $81,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32MH132176-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035108 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with cognitive impairments or those interested in understanding decision-making processes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cognitive impairments or those not engaged in decision-making tasks may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain uses different systems to make decisions based on experiences, particularly in new environments. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind 'model-based' reasoning, where the brain creates an internal model to predict outcomes, versus 'model-free' learning, which relies solely on past experiences. By studying the lateral orbitofrontal cortex and its role in decision-making, the research aims to uncover how these systems interact and influence behavior. This could provide insights into cognitive processes that affect learning and decision-making in both animals and humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of decision-making processes, potentially leading to improved strategies for addressing cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding decision-making processes through similar approaches, indicating a strong foundation for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demaegd, Margaret Louise — New York University
- Study coordinator: Demaegd, Margaret Louise
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
-
Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
-
SNEngage: How Social Networks and Supports Shape Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
A long-term study following Black and Latino individuals with serious mental illness to learn how their social networks affect engagement with mental health services and overall well-being.
-
Endosomal signaling and cancer pain control in oral cancer
A study to understand how signals inside nerve cells and supportive cells contribute to pain in people with oral cancer.
-
Accelerating hydroxyurea use for sickle cell disease in Nigeria
A pragmatic study in Nigeria aims to help doctors use hydroxyurea more consistently for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Preventing youth violence by better delivering proven programs to middle schools
A large study in middle schools will test practical ways to help teachers implement a well-known social-emotional learning program so it reaches students as intended.
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.