Identifying neurophysiological correlates associated with the emotion-cognition interaction - A fNIRS study

In the past decade, theoretical models of modular architectures with cold cognitive and hot affective-emotional systems have been progressively revised. Nowadays, these mechanisms are suggested to be interwoven and even processed in shared underlying neurocircuitry. Particularly in naturalistic environments, we are confronted with complex, (socio-)emotional stimuli claiming attentional and working memory resources (e.g., a crying baby during home office or laughter in open-plan offices). However, the precise nature of emotion-cognition interactions is still subject to research. Within this project we aim to investigate the interaction of cognitive processes and concurrent emotional distraction with fNIRS and behavioral measures.

在过去十年间，模块化架构的理论模型，其中包含冷认知与热情感-情绪系统，经历了不断的修订与完善。如今，这些机制被提议为相互交织，甚至在共同的神经回路中进行加工。特别是在自然环境中，我们面临着复杂的社会（情感）刺激，这些刺激要求我们分配注意力与工作记忆资源（例如，在家办公时哭泣的婴儿或开放式办公室中的笑声）。然而，情感与认知之间相互作用的精确本质仍然有待进一步研究。在本项目中，我们的目标是利用近红外光谱技术（fNIRS）和行为测量方法，探究认知过程与伴随的情感干扰之间的相互作用。