Combining Computational and Empirical Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience

描述（由申请人提供）：CMU有一个长期的传统，即努力建立完整的认知模型，以使用一小部分共同的理论假设来解释各种现象。我们的培训计划是唯一一个专注于培训认知建模技能的培训计划。认知神经科学研究的计算和行为方法相结合（T32）的具体目标是为博士前和博士后学员提供正规化他们关于正常和异常认知行为和大脑功能机制的理论的能力。我们将为学员提供机会进行最先进的行为研究，神经成像研究，并建立预测以及解释认知任务的行为和神经科学数据的计算模型。培训教师利用的方法，以进一步我们对认知的理解，包括功能磁共振成像，ERP，心理药理学干预和眼动跟踪以及反应时间和其他行为研究与计算建模相结合。其中许多方法是结合使用的。此外，学员将有机会进入一位医学科学家的实验室，该科学家进行与几种不同类型的精神障碍之一有关的认知神经科学研究：自闭症，双相情感障碍，抑郁症或精神分裂症。学员，导师和临床研究人员之间的合作将导致有机会测试与特殊人群的正常行为理论，以及为学员提供有关认知和情绪障碍的性质有用的曝光。该提案的目标主要是培养下一代认知和认知脑功能的计算建模者;然而，作为认知神经科学中的一个限制性案例，在认知障碍的正式模型上的合作工作有望为两家企业带来协同效应，并推动两个学科的理论工作向前发展。这一建议令人兴奋的方面是，它不仅将培养年轻的研究人员欣赏临床认知问题，并使他们接触到转化研究，但它有望促进协同合作，有可能为患者的正常功能或治疗提供新的见解。我们要求每年任命2名博士前研究员和2名博士后研究员两年的支持。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): There is a long tradition at CMU of striving for complete cognitive models to account for a wide range of phenomena using a small common set of theoretical assumptions. Our training program is the only one focused on training cognitive modeling skills. The Combined Computational and Behavioral Approaches to the Study of Cognitive Neuroscience (T32) has the specific aim of providing pre and postdoctoral trainees with the ability to formalize their theories about the mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal cognitive behavior and brain functioning. We will provide trainees with opportunities to conduct state of the art behavioral studies, neuro-imaging studies and build computational models that predict as well as account for behavioral and neuroscience data of cognitive tasks. The methodologies that the training faculty exploit to further our understanding of cognition include fMRI, ERP, psychopharmacological interventions and eye- tracking as well as reaction time and other behavioral studies in combination with computational modeling. Many of these methodologies are used in combination. In addition, the trainees will have the opportunity to rotate into the lab of a medical scientist who conducts cognitive neuroscience research concerned with one of several different types of mental disorders: autism, bi-polar, depression, or schizophrenia. The collaboration among trainee, mentor and clinical researcher will result in the opportunity to test theories of normal behavior with special populations as well as providing useful exposure for the trainees concerning the nature of cognitive and mood disorders. The goal of this proposal is primarily to train the next generation of computational modelers of cognition and cognitive brain function; however, the collaborative work on formal models of disordered cognition as a limiting case in cognitive neuroscience has the promise to bring synergy to both enterprises and move the theoretical work forward in both disciplines. The exciting aspect of this proposal is that it will not only train young researchers to appreciate clinical-cognitive issues and expose them to translational research but it promises to foster synergistic collaborations that have the potential to provide new insights into both normal functioning or treatments for patients who are suffering. We request two years of support for 2 predoctoral and 2 postdoctoral fellows appointed each year.