Cognitive Effort

The application of mental effort to achieve a goal is an important element of decision-making behaviour.  The onset of low mood or anhedonia may decrease our ability to apply ourselves even though our ability to succeed may be unimpaired.  Understanding the biological basis of cognitive effort could offer valuable insight into how the brain allocates resources, and may suggest new ways to improve cognitive performance in those with psychiatric disorders such as depression and ADHD.  In collaboration with Harriet de Wit at the University of Michigan, we are currently piloting a test of cognitive effort, where rats are given the opportunity to choose between an easy or difficult task.  Successful responding on the difficult task results in more reward than success in the easy task, but will rats be willing to put in the extra mental effort to succeed?  Please check back soon for more information.

For more information, email info@winstanleylab.com with “Cognitive Effort” in the subject heading.