Introductory Seminars for First-Year Students

Neuroforecasting

PSYCH 24N

This course explores whether brain activity can be used to predict not only the choices of individuals but also of separate groups of individuals (e.g., in markets). Questions include how neuroforecasting is possible, whether it can add value to other forecasting tools (e.g., traditional measures such as behavioral choice and subjective ratings), and when it extends to different aggregate scenarios. The course is ideal for students who would like to extend neural predictions about individual choice to group choice, and who plan to apply this knowledge in future research.

Meet the Instructor(s)

Brian Knutson

Brian Knutson is a professor of psychology. His research focuses on the neural basis of emotional experience and expression in mammals, computational neuroscience, and functional magnetic resonance imaging. His laboratory work tests hypotheses derived from rodent and primate research suggesting that biogenic amines can modulate emotional experience at specific brain locales. Using a combination of functional magnetic resonance imaging, psychophysiological probes, and self-report indices, his research group characterizes neural correlates of anticipation of reward and punishment in healthy humans. The group also plans to investigate affective function in patients with disorders of affect and addiction using these paradigms.
Learn more about Brian Knutson