Understanding how the brain makes decisions based on goals
Official title: Probing the neural computations underlying goal-directed decision-making in humans with single-neuron recordings
Funded at California Institute of Technology · NIH-10910140 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain help us make decisions about our goals, and it's inviting people with decision-making challenges to participate so we can better understand these processes and improve treatment for related mental health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $423,307 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133729-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910140 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are individuals with psychiatric disorders that involve decision-making impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any decision-making impairments or those not diagnosed with psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms involved in goal-directed decision-making by recording activity from single neurons in the human brain. It aims to uncover how different brain regions, particularly the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, contribute to selecting goals and actions. By studying these processes, the research seeks to improve our understanding of decision-making impairments associated with various psychiatric disorders. Patients may have the opportunity to participate in this research through advanced neurophysiological techniques.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments for psychiatric disorders that affect decision-making abilities.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of probing single-neuron activity in humans is relatively novel, similar studies in animal models have shown promising results in understanding decision-making processes.
Where this research is happening
-
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'doherty, John P — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: O'doherty, John P
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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.