Conditional Signal Routing in Bilingualism: Using Network-level Computational Models to Explore Bilingual Brains

Our combined program of research has leveraged network-level analyses to study complex cognitive abilities broadly, and bilingualism more specifically. In this workshop, we will move from theory to analysis techniques, describing how we have explored the relationship between basal ganglia signal routing and the implications of bilingual language use on mind and brain.

Registration is required (see below)

When: Monday, June 10, 9:30-12:00

Where: 2001 McGill-College, room 461

The workshop will be given by Andrea Stocco (Assistant Professor of Psychology at University of Washington, Seattle) and Chantel Prat (Associate Professor of Psychology at University of Washington, Seattle).

 

Part 1: Connections—The workshop will begin with a brief orientation and overview. We will discuss the importance of studying brain function at the network level and why we think this is particularly important when it comes to something as complex as language. We will then lay out the problem space for the workshop a bit, briefly describing the different methods used to measure network-level brain functioning to situate the two methods we will describe in detail.

Part 2: Conditional Signal Routing—We will then discuss the Conditional Signal Routing model, a computational model that describes how the dopamine-rich basal ganglia nuclei function to flexibly prioritize signals converging on the prefrontal cortex. This model has formed the basis of two review papers and a number of empirical papers investigating the neural basis of bilingual language control.

Break

Part 3: Dynamic Causal Modeling—In the third section, we will discuss Dynamic Causal Modeling, a method that can be used to study how networks of regions interact with one another, and how these interactions might be modeled by task demands.

Part 4: Task-Free Connectivity Analyses—In the final section of this workshop, we will discuss commonly used methods for assessing patterns of connectivity when individuals are not engaged in any particular task, or are “at rest.” We will also summarize theories of what individual differences in resting-state networks measure, and connect them back to our questions about signal routing in bilingual brains.

 

Refreshments will be served. We encourage you to bring your own reusable coffee mug and/or water bottle.

Accessibility: The talk will be held in an accessible building (note that the wheelchair-accessible entrance is on McGill-College; the entrance from Sherbrooke St has a few steps). Participants are invited to make us aware of any barriers to their participation or any accommodations that we can provide. info@crblm.ca