CEF.UP – SPECIAL Seminar/Webinar

Wednesday – May 15^th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. | Room 305| Online

“Paying attention: brain contraints on attention, learning and decision making” 

Genela Morris  – Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (Israel)

Abstract:

“Everyday decision-making demands the ability to distill complex and multifaceted information into actionable responses. These responses are typically geared toward favorable outcomes, rooted in reinforcement learning principles. While decades of research have unraveled the neural substrates of reinforcement learning, the process is inherently twofold. Effective decision-making hinges not only on learning the best actions in a given context but also on discerning relevant attributes of the environment to inform those decisions. In this seminar, I propose a theoretical framework that distinguishes between the learning of value and attention and elucidates their interplay. Drawing on experimental evidence from our rodent and non-human primate studies, I will share our suggestions on the distinct and complementary roles of striatal dopamine and acetylcholine in orchestrating this intricate process. I conclude by urging scholars of economic behavior and decision making to consider the brain mechanisms underlying attention, learning, and decision-making”