Understanding how the cerebellum helps with learning and decision-making.
Official title: Generalized prediction errors in the human cerebellum
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11092237 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the cerebellum, which usually helps with movement, also plays a role in learning from rewards and making predictions, and it could help us find new ways to support people with cerebellar disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $418,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS132926-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092237 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation would include individuals with cerebellar disorders or those experiencing cognitive difficulties related to learning.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely motor disorders unrelated to cognitive functions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the cerebellum, a brain region traditionally associated with motor control, in nonmotor learning processes such as reinforcement and statistical learning. By using advanced techniques like functional neuroimaging and computational analyses, the study aims to uncover how the cerebellum contributes to learning from rewards and making predictions. This could lead to a better understanding of cognitive functions and the development of new therapeutic approaches for cerebellar disorders. Patients may be involved in tasks that assess their learning and decision-making abilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of cognitive processes and lead to improved treatments for conditions affecting learning and decision-making.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully demonstrated the cerebellum's role in motor learning, but this investigation into its nonmotor functions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdougle, Samuel David — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Mcdougle, Samuel David
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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.