The neural network mechanisms of inferential reasoning (360G-Wellcome-203964_Z_16_A)

The neural network mechanisms of inferential reasoning The ability to make inferences, as defined by conclusions drawn from given evidence (Peirce, 1868), is a hallmark of higher cognitive function (Vasconcelos, 2008) that relies on internal models of past knowledge, including that of experienced environments (Markovits and Vachon, 1990; Piaget, 1987). The neural representation of such mnemonic models is thought to be shaped by life experience (Barlett, 1929, Lee, 2009) but the neural circuit-level mechanisms supporting the neural representation-to-behaviour translation of inferences remain to be identified. The goals of my project are: To investigate the neural circuit mechanisms underlying the ability to make an inference based on prior knowledge with large-scale neural recording techniques in the mouse brain. To test whether dopamine promotes neural mechanisms underlying inferential reasoning using state-of-the art neural manipulation methods.