Circuits and computations for value-based
decisions in the primate brain
How does the brain construct neural representations of value?
Within the span of a few synapses, information encoded in cortical sensory areas is transformed into a robust value code in the frontal lobe, limbic system, and basal ganglia. Our lab studies the activity of single neurons in the primate brain to understand the fundamental nature of value representation.
Related publications:
NEW! Predicting choices from population value codes
(2023, Nat. Neuro.)
Value representation in primate OFC (2016, Neuron)
How does attention influence valuation and choice?
In our everyday decision-making, we often shift our attention from one option to another as we deliberate. Our lab studies how these shifts of attention impact value representations and the computational processes that ultimately result in a decision.
Related publications:
NEW! Human-like gaze biases in nonhuman primates (2023, eLife)
Attention enhances the subjective value of appetitive cues (2019, eNeuro)
Attention modulates value signals in primate OFC (2016, Neuron)
How does information about value flow through the brain?
The prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia are massively interconnected, but the functional significance of these connections is unknown. A major interest in our lab is how value signals in one region influence the others, and how this information flow impacts decision-making and other motivated behaviors.
Related publications:
Amygdala influences accumbens via the prefrontal cortex in rodents (2008)
Accumbens neurons integrate amygdala and prefrontal inputs in rodents (2009a, 2009b)