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Revealing higher-order neural representations of uncertainty with the Noise Estimation through Reinforcement-based Diffusion (NERD) model

Created by
  • Haebom

Author

Hojjat Azimi Asrari, Megan AK Peters

Outline

This paper focuses on the "higher-order representation (HOR)" of FOR, rather than the "primary representation (FOR)" that encodes the content or structure of the observer's environment. In particular, we study HOR, which addresses aspects of FOR such as intensity and uncertainty, and specifically, HOR for uncertainty. Research on how the brain represents expectations about uncertainty is lacking. This study develops and applies a "Reinforcement-Based Noise Estimation via Diffusion (NERD)" model using neural data obtained from a "decoded neurofeedback" task, in which subjects learn to intentionally generate target neural patterns. Through this, we characterize how the brain learns to respond to noise and demonstrate that the NERD model offers a high level of explanatory power for human behavior.

Takeaways, Limitations

Takeaways:
We present the NERD model to help us understand how the brain learns about its own noise.
A novel approach to studying higher-order representations of uncertainty through decoded neurofeedback tasks.
Advancing understanding of the brain's noise estimation process through the high explanatory power of the NERD model.
Limitations:
The NERD model is limited to a specific task (decoded neurofeedback) and further research is needed to determine its generalizability.
Lack of consideration of other possible mechanisms for the brain's noise estimation process.
Further research is needed on the role of higher-order representations in a wider range of cognitive tasks.
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