Neural and behavioral correlates of mental effort

Objective

The wide use in daily life of the concept of mental effort points to a psychological construct that is dually perceived as capable of influencing significantly the quality of an action and, on the other hand, as imposing an important cost on the action itself. Despite its practical and theoretical interest, particularly for the neuroscience of executive function, mental effort is a surprisingly neglected area of investigation. In this proposal, we aim at elucidating the relationship among the degree of invested mental effort, its subjective perception, and its effects on cognitive performance, along with the neural circuitry underlying effort processing. The study will employ functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during an effortful mental task, complemented by the collection of relevant behavioral, psychological, physiological,, and brain morphological measures.

Fields of science

• social sciences › psychology › psychotherapy
• engineering and technology › medical engineering › diagnostic imaging › magnetic resonance imaging

Programme(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Topic(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG - Marie Curie Action: "Reintegration Grants"

Call for proposal

FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

MC-IRG - International Re-integration Grants (IRG)

Coordinator

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI MODENA E REGGIO EMILIA

Address

Via Universita 4
41121 Modena
Italy

Activity type

Higher or Secondary Education Establishments

EU contribution

€ 50 000

Administrative Contact

Carlo Adolfo Porro (Prof.)