Neural mechanisms of cognitive control: theoretical considerations and translational implication

Summary

In this talk I will present a model of the prefrontal mechanisms involved in cognitive
control that has resulted from the large body of research on the Stroop task performed in my
laboratory. I will then show how this theoretical model can be informative in understanding
deviations in cognitive control in clinical populations, for development during adolescence, and for
individual differences. In the second part of the talk, I will discuss how this model can be extended to
control over memory processes, providing one example from long-term memory and one from
working memory. This work will demonstrate how brain imaging can be particularly helpful in
providing a window into this issue. In general, the research presented will demonstrate how parallel
research programs on neurologically-normal individuals and clinical populations can work
synergistically to advance theory as well as translation of that theory for understanding variations in
cognitive control.