Understanding how internal feelings affect decision-making

Learning as a window into how internal states influence decision-making

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · COLUMBIA UNIV NEW YORK MORNINGSIDE · NIH-10906307

This study looks at how our feelings and thoughts affect the choices we make, using animals to learn more about how experts and beginners think differently when making decisions based on what they see.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLUMBIA UNIV NEW YORK MORNINGSIDE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10906307 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how internal states, such as emotions and cognitive processes, influence decision-making in individuals. By studying both long-term and short-term learning in animals, the project aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that differentiate expert responses from novice ones in decision-making scenarios. The researchers will utilize a standardized behavioral task where animals make judgments based on visual cues, allowing for detailed analysis of their behavior and neural activity. This approach will help identify how changes in internal states occur during learning and how they affect decision-making processes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who may benefit from insights into decision-making and internal state management.

Not a fit: Patients without autism or those not experiencing decision-making challenges may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of decision-making processes, potentially benefiting individuals with conditions like autism by informing therapeutic strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding decision-making through similar behavioral tasks, indicating that this approach is grounded in established methodologies.

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Autistic Disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.