Understanding how the brain makes decisions based on memory and categorization
Official title: The Neural Mechanisms Underlying Categorical Decision Making
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-10884223 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our brains make decisions when we're not sure about something, focusing on how we remember and recognize things to help us choose what to do, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how we think and make choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,274 |
| NIH project number | 5F30MH134507-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884223 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive disturbances or memory-related issues, particularly those at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with well-established cognitive function and no memory-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms involved in how we make decisions when faced with unclear information. It focuses on the role of memory in recognizing and categorizing objects, which is crucial for guiding our behaviors. By studying the brain's decision-making processes, the research aims to uncover how semantic categorization occurs and how quickly these decisions are made. The approach involves using drift-diffusion models to analyze decision-making signals in the brain across different species, including humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding decision-making processes in the brain, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steinberg, Noah — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Steinberg, Noah
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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.