Topic: exploration

Sex-based modulation of cognitive processes could set the stage for individual differences in vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders. While value-based decision making processes in particular have been proposed to be influenced by sex differences, the overall correct performance in decision making tasks often show variable or minimal differences across sexes. Computational tools allow us to uncover latent variables that define different decision making approaches, even in animals with similar correct performance. Here, we quantify sex differences in mice in the latent variables underlying

Machine learning researchers frequently focus on human-level performance, in particular in games. However, in these applications human (or human-level) behavior is commonly reduced to a simple dot on a performance graph. Cognitive science, in particular theories of learning and decision making, could hold the key to unlock what is behind this dot, thereby gaining further insights into human cognition and the design principles of intelligent algorithms. However, cognitive experiments commonly focus on relatively simple paradigms such as restricted multi-armed bandit tasks. In this talk, I will

Rodents and primates exhibit trade-offs between exploitation and exploration. Understanding how different behavioral states modulate neural activities remains a critical question. Previous research has demonstrated that high and low head pitch in rats correlate with distinct head-movement frequencies, which are coupled with breathing frequency, suggesting a potential connection between pitch states and exploration/exploitation behaviors. Additionally, place cells exhibit remapping across low/high-pitch states. In our study using a path-integration paradigm with rats, we found that parameters