Mechanisms of Cognitive Control 

Mechanisms of Cognitive Control 

Cognitive control: A hallmark of intelligent behavior

To behave flexibly and adaptively, we must constantly re-direct 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