How the brain makes decisions and learns from feedback
CRCNS Circuit-Level Mechanisms of Adaptive decision-making
This study looks at how mammals, including humans, change the way they make decisions when things around them change, and it aims to understand how this process in the brain can help us learn from our experiences, which could be useful for understanding issues like addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10458080 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how mammals adapt their decision-making processes in changing environments to improve future outcomes. It focuses on the cortico-basal-ganglia-thalamic circuits in the brain, which are responsible for selecting actions and learning from feedback. By exploring the relationship between decision-making and reinforcement learning, the study aims to develop a framework that connects cognitive models with biological mechanisms. This could help in understanding the neural basis of behaviors related to addiction and other disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing decision-making difficulties, particularly those related to addictive behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues with decision-making or who are not affected by addictive behaviors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions related to decision-making dysfunction, such as addiction and obesity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding decision-making processes through similar neural circuit investigations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- Carnegie-Mellon University — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Verstynen, Timothy D — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: Verstynen, Timothy 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.