Neuroimaging of controlled and automatic processes in human motor control

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This research will use a new imaging technique called MagnetoEncephaloGraphy (MEG) to measure brain activity non-invasively in humans while they perform a simple and repetitive motor task over long periods of time (e.g., pressing a button when they see a number appear on a screen, unless it is the number "3"). The goal of this research is to study how the natural waxing and waning of our attention over time affects our ability to perform these tasks and what brain areas are involved. In particular, we wish to identify those areas of the brain that detect when we make an error (such as accidentally pressing the button for the number 3). This will increase our knowledge of which brain structures are important in preventing or detecting errors due to "mind wandering" or inattention in real world situations, such as driving an automobile or work-related activity involving repetitive tasks. This will have important applications to the understanding of motor control, as well as attentional deficits in individuals reflected by poor performance in such tasks, for example, in patients with mild head injuries, or children with attentional disorders.