The importance of task design and behavioral control for understanding the neural basis of cognitive functions

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

The success of systems neuroscience depends on the ability to forge quantitative links between neural activity and behavior. Traditionally, this process has benefited from the rigorous development and testing of hypotheses using tools derived from classical psychophysics and computational motor control. As our capacity for measuring neural activity improves, accompanied by powerful new analysis strategies, it seems prudent to remember what these traditional approaches have to offer. Here I present a perspective on the merits of principled task design and tight behavioral control, along with some words of caution about interpretation in unguided, large-scale neural recording studies. I argue that a judicious combination of new and old approaches is the best way to advance our understanding of higher brain function in health and disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)16-22
Number of pages7
JournalCurrent Opinion in Neurobiology
Volume37
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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