Executive Control

We also conduct traditional cognitive neuroscience research on the executive control of behavior, with an emphasis on the prefrontal
cortex (PFC). These studies use tasks derived from cognitive psychology – often involving response selection, behavioral conflict, or
memory – and seek to elucidate the functional properties of specific regions within PFC by converging evidence across multiple studies.
An important current project involves mapping out a functional topography within medial prefrontal cortex, through both experimentation
and meta-analysis.As part of a longstanding collaboration with Gregory McCarthy at Yale University, we are investigating the properties of
an executive control network, including its functional connectivity and causality. In collaboration with Ian Dobbins at Washington University,
we have investigated prefrontal contributions to several aspects of behavioral control, including setting up criteria for decisions and
integrating information across multiple judgments. We have also recently begun research, in collaboration with Kevin LaBar, on a project
investigating how control systems contribute to emotion regulation in older adults.