The role of intra-area and inter-area neuronal interactions in the formation of perceptual decisions (360G-Wellcome-109064_Z_15_A)

Humans and animals have to make decisions based on the integration of sensory information in order to thrive. In primates, neuronal activity in sensori-motor parietal area LIP has been proposed to reflect the accumulation of sensory information from a range of areas to make a perceptual decision. The change in firing rates has been described as an integration process with a diffusion-to-bound model or alternatively as step-like changes. This project aims to gain a better understanding of the neuronal processes underpinning perceptual decision-making and to test the universality of the proposed models. Simultaneous recordings with multiple probes from cortical areas LIP and V5/MT while animals solve a stereo-motion task will measure neuronal interactions (i) within LIP and (ii) with V5/MT. Extrastriate visual area V5/MT is important for the perception of motion as well as stereovision and has anatomical connections with LIP. Combined electrical stimulation and recording will establish the interaction of signals between these areas. I will also incorporate contextual effects into task and model to develop a realistic network model of how decision signals arise and shape cognitive function. This model can be applied to and tested with other brain areas and cognitive tasks.