Understanding how we change our beliefs based on new information

CRCNS: Investigating the Neurocomputational Mechanisms of Belief Updating

NIH-funded research Brown University · NIH-11176856

This study is looking at how people change their beliefs when they get new information, especially how our brains work during this process, and it aims to help us understand conditions like psychosis and depression better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrown University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Providence, United States)
Project IDNIH-11176856 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the processes by which humans update their beliefs in response to new information, focusing on the neural mechanisms involved. By using a computational framework, the study aims to connect belief updating with real-world behaviors and various neuroscience tasks. The researchers will explore how contextual factors influence our expectations and perceptions, which may help in understanding neuropsychiatric conditions like psychosis and depression. This approach seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of both normal and abnormal belief updating.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing neuropsychiatric conditions such as psychosis or depression, as well as healthy adults interested in understanding belief processes.

Not a fit: Patients with stable beliefs and no history of neuropsychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by abnormal belief updating.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding belief updating mechanisms, but this approach aims to provide a novel and comprehensive framework.

Where this research is happening

Providence, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.