Mechanisms of Cognitive Control 

Mechanisms of Cognitive Control 

Cognitive control: A hallmark of intelligent behavior

To behave flexibly and adaptively, we must constantly redirect our sensory systems and update our behavior to reflect our current goals.

Researchers in the Mechanisms of Cognitive Control group investigate the fundamentals of cognitive control. The ultimate goal: Improve it in both humans and machines.

A researcher hooks a subject up to an optical brain imaging took, which looks like a cap connected to many wires.
BIC Diffuse optical imaging Max 152 tmc

Researchers in this group collaborate to:

  • Understand the effects and limitations of directing our attention in both laboratory and real-world settings
  • Understand the control and regulation of our emotional system both in healthy and clinical populations
  • Assess the effects of exercise, cognitive training, and nutrition interventions on a variety of cognitive control mechanisms
  • Understand how our ability to coordinate behaviors changes with age
  • Understand the relationship between control processes and conscious awareness
134 tmc

Their research uses:

  • Behavioral methods
  • Eye-movement studies
  • MR methods (sMRI, fMRI, MR spectroscopy, diffusion tensor imaging, arterial spin labeling)
  • Electrophysiology (EEG and ERP)
  • Optical imaging (EROS, fNIRS, pulse measures of arterial elasticity)
  • Neural stimulation methods (TMS, tDCS)
  • Patient studies
  • Intervention studies
View people in this group

Group leader

  • Gabriele Gratton

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