Event overview
Whitehead Lecture: Researcher Maria Herrojo Ruiz (Goldsmiths) will discuss neurocomputational processes of skilled performance in musicians and gamers
Abstract:
Influential theories propose that the brain continuously generates and refines predictions about the states of the world through approximate Bayesian inference. Widely adopted in computational psychiatry, these frameworks have promoted an understanding of mental health conditions as alterations in the computational principles of learning and inference. This talk will outline how these frameworks can enhance our understanding of learning and performance in complex, real-world tasks, with a particular focus on music performance and video gaming—activities that demand high-level cognitive, affective, and motor skills.
First, I will present experimental evidence that associates anxiety and mood instability with changes in the computational mechanisms underlying learning and decision-making in uncertain and volatile environments. This guides our approach in identifying factors that either hinder or enhance expert performance. In the domain of music, I will reveal how learning biases, uncertainty and high stakes influence performance, highlighting the role of performance anxiety in modulating exploration and decision-making among skilled performers. Additionally, our research into video game performance sheds light on the neural processes of real-time information processing and decision-making in high-stakes, highly rewarding environments.
By integrating evidence from various performance domains across both clinical and subclinical settings, and from novice to expert levels, the talk will conclude with a discussion on the broader implications of our research for understanding virtuosity, creativity, and for promoting well-being among performers.
Bio:
María is a Reader in the Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths University of London, where she co-founded and co-directs the MSc in Computational Cognitive Neuroscience.
Her research examines the neural processes underlying motor learning and decision-making in mental health and neurological conditions, as well as skilled performance in experts, such as musicians and video game players. She employs advanced methodological and computational techniques to investigate these areas. Her recent research focuses on combining neuroscientific and performance data with computational modelling to elucidate the behavioural, cognitive, and neurobiological processes underlying performance anxiety.
Event Series:
This event is part of the Whitehead Lectures in Cognition, Computation and Culture.
Dates & times
| Date | Time | Add to calendar |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Nov 2024 | 4:00pm - 5:00pm |
Accessibility
If you are attending an event and need the College to help with any mobility requirements you may have, please contact the event organiser in advance to ensure we can accommodate your needs.
