Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Accept all cookies Reject all non-essential cookies Find out more

Attention & Cognitive Control

Artificial Intelligence Attention Brain Imaging Brain Systems Choice & Decision Making Cognition & Information Processing Learning Memory

Moved to Oxford in 2006

Published more than 50 Research Papers

Prof. Nick Yeung

Neural activity revealed during rapid switching between tasks
Neural activity revealed during rapid switching between tasks

Our research investigates the neural mechanisms of attention and cognitive control. The broad question addressed by this research is how coherent thought and action emerge from processing in the brain. While much is now known about specific aspects of brain function—how we perceive the world, attend to particular details, remember facts and events, make decisions, etc.—much less is known about how these different functions become organised so that, at any given time, we can focus our attention on a particular task (or tasks) based on our current goals and intentions. Our research investigates the mechanisms responsible for imposing this organisation on our thoughts and actions.

A key component of our research is the development of computational models of attention and control processes. We use these models to inform the design and interpretation of our empirical work that combines behavioural, functional neuroimaging (fMRI), and scalp electrophysiological (EEG) methods.

Our team

Selected publications

Research Projects

Task organisation

How do we choose one task to perform from among the many available to us at any given time? How are the processing resources of the brain chanelled towards the chosen task? To investigate these issues, we have looked at behaviour and brain activity associated with changing from one task to another, a situation that places particular demands on attention

Monitoring performance

How do we know when we need to pay attention to avoid making mistakes? How do we know when we've actually made an error? Our research has used neural network models and brain imaging techniques to identify the types of information that our brains use to signal when things are going wrong and when increased attention and control are required

Learning from feedback

How do we use external signals of success or failure to help us perform more effectively? Our research on this question has focused on the role of anterior cingulate cortex in decision making and learning. We have used EEG and fMRI methods to study activity in this brain region as people learn to play simple decision making tasks and gambling games.

Research Vacancies

Prospective graduate students who are interested in applying to join the lab may contact Dr Nick Yeung, by email, at nicholas.yeung@psy.ox.ac.uk.

Related research themes

Perception and Cognition