Neural basis of episodic future thinking and its role in decision-making – Complete Phd and Masters Thesis

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Introduction

The ability to imagine and plan for future events is a crucial cognitive function that plays a significant role in decision-making and goal-directed behavior. This cognitive process, known as episodic future thinking, involves the mental simulation of future scenarios based on past experiences. Recent research has suggested that episodic future thinking is supported by a network of brain regions that are also involved in memory, imagination, and decision-making. Understanding the neural basis of episodic future thinking can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying decision-making processes and potentially inform interventions for individuals with deficits in this ability.

Background of Study

The concept of episodic future thinking was first introduced by Tulving in 1985, who proposed that individuals have the ability to mentally travel through time and envision specific future events. Since then, research in cognitive neuroscience has sought to unravel the neural mechanisms underlying this unique cognitive ability. Studies using functional neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI have identified a network of brain regions, including the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and medial temporal lobe, that are consistently activated during episodic future thinking tasks.

Problem Statement

Despite the progress made in understanding the neural basis of episodic future thinking, there are still several unanswered questions regarding the specific roles of different brain regions, the developmental trajectory of this ability, and its potential relevance to decision-making processes. Additionally, there is limited research on the neural correlates of episodic future thinking in clinical populations, such as individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders or neurodegenerative diseases.

Objective of Study

The main objective of this thesis is to investigate the neural basis of episodic future thinking and its role in decision-making. Specifically, we aim to:

1. Identify the key brain regions involved in episodic future thinking.
2. Explore the relationship between episodic future thinking and decision-making processes.
3. Investigate the developmental trajectory of episodic future thinking.
4. Examine the neural correlates of episodic future thinking in clinical populations.

Limitation of Study

While this study aims to provide valuable insights into the neural basis of episodic future thinking, there are some limitations to consider. These include the use of cross-sectional data, potential confounding variables, and limitations in the generalizability of findings to a broader population.

Scope of Study

This thesis will focus on the neural basis of episodic future thinking and its role in decision-making, utilizing a combination of fMRI imaging, behavioral assessments, and neuropsychological testing. The study will involve both healthy individuals and clinical populations to compare differences in neural activation patterns and cognitive performance.

Significance of Study

Understanding the neural basis of episodic future thinking and its implications for decision-making could have significant implications for various fields, including cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and clinical practice. The findings from this study could help inform interventions for individuals with deficits in episodic future thinking and contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for decision-making disorders.

Structure of the Thesis

This thesis is organized into five chapters:

Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Background of study
1.3 Problem Statement
1.4 Objective of the study
1.5 Limitation of study
1.6 Scope of study
1.7 Significance of study
1.8 Structure of the thesis
1.9 Definition of terms

Chapter 2: Literature Review
2.1 Theoretical framework of episodic future thinking
2.2 Neural correlates of episodic future thinking
2.3 Developmental aspects of episodic future thinking
2.4 Episodic future thinking in clinical populations
2.5 Decision-making processes
2.6 Relationship between episodic future thinking and decision-making
2.7 Methodological considerations in studying episodic future thinking
2.8 Interventions for deficits in episodic future thinking
2.9 Future directions for research on episodic future thinking
2.10 Summary of literature review

Chapter 3: Research Methodology
3.1 Research design
3.2 Participants
3.3 Measures
3.4 Procedure
3.5 Data analysis
3.6 Statistical analysis
3.7 Ethical considerations
3.8 Limitations of the study

Chapter 4: Discussion of Findings
4.1 Overview of findings
4.2 Neural activation patterns in episodic future thinking tasks
4.3 Relationship between episodic future thinking and decision-making
4.4 Developmental trends in episodic future thinking
4.5 Implications for clinical practice
4.6 Comparison with existing literature
4.7 Limitations of the study
4.8 Future research directions

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Summary
5.1 Summary of findings
5.2 Contribution to the field
5.3 Practical implications
5.4 Recommendations for future research
5.5 Conclusion

This thesis will provide a comprehensive overview of the neural basis of episodic future thinking and its role in decision-making, incorporating a multidisciplinary approach to understanding this complex cognitive function. By elucidating the neural mechanisms underlying episodic future thinking, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of decision-making processes and potentially inform interventions for individuals with impairments in this ability.

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