Cognitive control refers to a set of processes involved in complex, non-automatic thought and behavior and? cognitive control is thought to play a critical role in many cognitive and behavioral domains. Deficits in? cognitive control are thought to be involved in a number of psychiatric (e.g., schizophrenia) and cognitive? (e.g., Parkinson's) disorders. Cognitive control is a broad construct and most researchers believe it is? comprised of multiple subcomponents and multiple brain regions. Two brain regions that are known to be? centrally involved in cognitive control are the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the prefrontal cortex (PFC).? However, the exact contributions of these brain regions to cognitive control are still unresolved. One goal of? this research is to critically test conflict-control loop theory, which is one theory about the components of? cognitive control and contributions of the ACC and PFC to cognitive control. In addition, another goal of this? research is to examine whether specific components of cognitive control are associated with cognitive? disorganization which is related to risk for schizophrenia. Specifically, in two brain imaging studies, the? current proposal will examine whether:? 1. ACC is associated with conflict monitoring (Botvinick et al., 2001) and not with? providing an attentional boost to relevant items (Weissman et al., 2005);? 2. the PFC but not the ACC is associated with preparation for overcoming a prepotent? response;? 3. level of ACC or PFC activity is associated with cognitive disorganization which is? associated with risk for schizophrenia.? Overall, this research is designed to provide a strong test of conflict-control loop theory and can provide? important evidence about the functioning of brain regions centrally involved in cognitive control, information? that could potentially help improve the treatment of a number of serious neuropsychiatric conditions.
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