What is the analytical tool you have developed?
Theory/Models (for now): Specifically, we are developing mechanistic models that account for large-scale activity in neural circuits responsible for both persistent and dynamic activity states during the delay period of working memory tasks.
What input do you need?
At this stage, we are primarily looking to constrain our models using psychophysical data from human behavioral experiments generated by our collaborators (Gold: Penn; Buschman: Princeton; Bays: Cambdrige). At a later stage, we will extend our models to consider more complex network architectures, and at that stage will leverage large scale neural recordings from non-human primates. We are open to any additional response or neural recording data from delayed estimation/oculomotor delayed- response tasks that groups might have to offer that would be relevant to the aims of this project.
What are the questions you can answer?
1) How are experience-driven probabilistic priors represented in neural circuits?
2) How do the dynamics and structure of network architecture contribute to the dynamics of neural activity during the delay period of working memory tasks?
3) How do the representations of multiple stimuli interact across time in neural circuits participating in delayed response tasks?
What are the data specifications needed for your TMM tool?
Data type: Behavioral responses from parametric delayed response tasks (recalling color, orientation, location after a few seconds): stimulus parameters on each trial, delay time, response accuracy/location, time between trials. Pupillometry data would also be helpful (eye tracking).
Neural recordings (multichannel LFP or spike) from working memory relevant areas during the entire task (fixation, delay, response, intertrial).
Sampling frequency: Neural recording sampling frequency at or above 250Hz preferred. Sampling on all trials for behavioral data is preferred.
Species type: Humans and non-human primates would be best.
Brain area: prefrontal, cingulate, parietal, premotor cortices
Cell types: Pyramidal and interneurons