Methods

 

To answer our research questions we use a combination of behavioral experiments, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and computational modeling.

fMRI is a neuroimaging technique for measuring and mapping brain activity. We use it to identify brain regions and networks associated with cognitive processes of interest.

TMS is a noninvasive stimulation method for transiently altering neuronal activity in focal regions of the brain. By perturbing the function of a brain area/network, we can provide causal evidence that a region is necessary for a particular cognitive process or behavior. TMS can be used as a strong test of the role of brain regions revealed from neuroimaging analyses.

Fitting computational models to behavioral data allows us to be understand the algorithms that underlie behaviors and cognitive processes of interest.