Featured Publications
Executive Function Assigns Value to Novel Goal-Congruent Outcomes
McDougle SD, Ballard IC, Baribault B, Bishop SJ, Collins AGE. Executive Function Assigns Value to Novel Goal-Congruent Outcomes. Cerebral Cortex 2021, 32: 231-247. PMID: 34231854, PMCID: PMC8634563, DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab205.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsReward circuitExecutive controlHuman reinforcementPrefrontal correlatesInstrumental learningFunctional neuroimagingNovel outcomesHigh-level representationSecondary reinforcerPrefrontal cortexMaterial rewardsSame circuitryDopaminergic circuitsNovel imageAssigns valueReward functionRewardNeuroimagingLow-level responsesComputational modelingFlexible responseReinforcersLearningCorrelatesCortex
2021
Post-error Slowing During Instrumental Learning is Shaped by Working Memory-based Choice Strategies
McDougle SD. Post-error Slowing During Instrumental Learning is Shaped by Working Memory-based Choice Strategies. Neuroscience 2021, 486: 37-45. PMID: 34695537, DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.10.016.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPost-error slowingPost-error processingDistinct neural correlatesMemory-based strategyMedial prefrontal cortexProgress of learningMultiple distinct processesExecutive resourcesWorking memoryNeural signaturesNeural correlatesCognitive loadVisuomotor skillsReinforcement learning systemTask performanceInstrumental learningPrefrontal cortexHigh load conditionsSensorimotor regionsMemoryChoice strategiesDistinct processesComputational modelLearningLearning system
2020
Modeling the influence of working memory, reinforcement, and action uncertainty on reaction time and choice during instrumental learning
McDougle SD, Collins AGE. Modeling the influence of working memory, reinforcement, and action uncertainty on reaction time and choice during instrumental learning. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review 2020, 28: 20-39. PMID: 32710256, PMCID: PMC7854965, DOI: 10.3758/s13423-020-01774-z.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsInstrumental learningInstrumental learning processesReaction time effectsStages of learningDegree of deliberationReward contingenciesPerceptual evidenceParsimonious accountTask complexityInternal representationAction uncertaintyUnique predictionDecision dynamicsAction valuesPast experienceLearning processReaction timeMemoryLearningProcess modelTime effectsTaskDecision-making frameworkContingenciesPrior uncertainty