Dartmouth Events

Behavioral and neural dynamics during navigation structure and reflect memory

Abstract: To learn the structure of new environments, we have to seek out and successfully encode new information. To efficiently navigate in familiar environments, we have to integrate and update information learned in the past with our evolving understanding of the present. What is the interplay between these processes and how are they reflected in behavior and the brain? In this talk, I will present a series of experiments investigating moment-to-moment fluctuations in neural patterns and behavior while people navigated in virtual reality. This work suggests that our exploration patterns are shaped by the structure of the environment, and in turn, that such structure is reflected in memory. I will also discuss how individual differences in the ability to navigate might determine one’s approach to knowledge seeking and cognitive map formation.