The Neural Basis of Internal Attention

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How does our brain enable us to pay attention to our thoughts? As you review a manuscript, you may occasionally find yourself reminiscing your last summer vacation. This internal attention state is a prominent aspect of our everyday cognition that involves attending internally to cognitive processes such as memory recall. It is associated with adaptive outcomes such as creativity and maladaptive consequences such as performance deficits. Although it occupies up to half of our awake time, the neural basis of internal attention remains largely unknown. Broadly, my NSERC research program aims to elucidate the neural mechanisms and structures supporting this fundamental cognitive phenomenon. In particular, I will work with my team of HQP to pursue three main objectives. First, I will clarify the neural mechanisms underlying specific types of internal attention. Although my previous research established the spatiotemporal dynamics of internal attention, its heterogeneous nature was not considered. Therefore the current proposal will be the first to reveal the neural mechanism supporting different types of internal attention. Second, I will establish the critical role of default network subsystems in internal attention. My recent work indicated components of the fronto-parietal control network are causally involved; however, the causal role of default network subsystems remains unknown. Third, I will predict internal attention states in real time using machine learning with EEG measures in ecologically valid paradigms. This will be the first study to use naturalistic stimuli with electrophysiological measures for real time detection of internal attention. To address these objectives, I will employ several methodological approaches. The proposed studies primarily rely on electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings, and advanced signal processing techniques. They also involve the neuropsychological approach to determine the causal relevance of neural substrates necessary for internal attention, as well as the neurosurgical approach using intracranial EEG. This is an emerging methodology in cognitive neuroscience that is characterized by excellent spatial and temporal resolution important for elucidating the neural dynamics of internal attention. In addition, the proposed research requires advanced statistical techniques, including linear mixed effects model analyses and cluster based permutation tests. This unique combination of approaches will provide outstanding opportunities for my HQPs to master crucial skills that will help them excel in future positions. My proposed research will be pivotal for developing a theoretical model that explains the neurophysiological basis of internal attention, thereby solidifying Canada as a leading contributor to attentional neuroscience research. This program will ultimately drive the development of tools that optimize attentional control, which will benefit Canadians in educational and occupational settings.