Work

Addressing degeneracy in rodent studies of cognition

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: In order to relate neural dynamics to cognitive computations, it is critical to determine whether subjects are employing behavioral strategies that actually use those computations, as opposed to simpler heuristics. Here, I describe the problem of adjudicating between degenerate behavioral algorithms and degenerate neural implementations in perceptual and value-based decision-making tasks. Multi-dimensional behavioral measures allow researchers to build arguments from numerous lines of evidence in favor of or against hypotheses about algorithmic strategies. Neural perturbations and individual differences can help resolve degenerate neural implementations. Rigorously contending with these issues is critical for leveraging rodent models to reveal mechanisms of cognition.

Source: Current Opinion in Neurobiology

DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2026.103190

Author: Christine M. Constantinople

Institution: New York University

Language: English

Topic: Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,320

Funders: National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health