The long-term goal of our research is to understand the neuronal processes that mediate visual perception and visually guided behavior. To this end we are conducting parallel behavioral and physiological experiments in animals that are trained to perform selected perceptual or eye movement tasks. By recording the activity of cortical neurons during performance of such tasks, we gain initial insights into the relationship of neuronal activity to the animal's behavioral capacities. Hypotheses concerning this relationship are tested by modifying neural activity within local cortical circuits to determine whether behavior is effected in a predictable manner. Computer modelling techniques are then used to develop more refined hypotheses concerning the relationship of brain to behavior that are both rigorous and testable. This combination of behavioral, electrophysiological and computational techniques provides a realistic basis for neurophysiological investigation of cognitive functions such as perception, memory and motor planning.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
4R37EY005603-14
Application #
2520454
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (NSS)
Project Start
1985-01-01
Project End
2002-12-31
Budget Start
1998-01-01
Budget End
1998-12-31
Support Year
14
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Stanford University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
800771545
City
Stanford
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94305
Hedges, James H; Gartshteyn, Yevgeniya; Kohn, Adam et al. (2011) Dissociation of neuronal and psychophysical responses to local and global motion. Curr Biol 21:2023-8
Churchland, Mark M; Yu, Byron M; Cunningham, John P et al. (2010) Stimulus onset quenches neural variability: a widespread cortical phenomenon. Nat Neurosci 13:369-78
Cohen, Marlene R; Newsome, William T (2009) Estimates of the contribution of single neurons to perception depend on timescale and noise correlation. J Neurosci 29:6635-48