[BIC-announce] Philip Holmes Talk: The Neurodynamics of Simple Decisions

[Kaleem Siddiqi]

http://www.mcgill.ca/channels/events/item/?item_id=168217

Brain, Body and Machine Seminar

Oct. 7, 2010 - 4:00 PM, Trottier Building, Room 1100, 3630 University Street

The Neurodynamics of Simple Decisions: Drift-diffusion Equations as Models for Single Brains, and for Group Behaviors
Prof. Philip Holmes

Princeton University

 I will describe how simple stochastic differential equations can model  evidence accumulation and decision making, sketching their derivation from biophysically-detailed models of spiking neurons, and relating them to the sequential probability ratio test from statistical decision theory. This connection yields a speed-accuracy tradeoff that optimizes rewards in a simple two-alternative perceptual decision task. I will compare the resulting model predictions with human behavior and advance explanations for failures to optimize. Finally, I will show how drift-diffusion models can be extended to describe choices in a social gambling task in which players receive limited information regarding other group members' choices and rewards.

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