M-BIC lecture: Rogier Kievit
Professor of Developmental Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour. Honorary Fellow Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research.
Understanding the dynamics of neurocognitive development using theory-based models
Abstract
Developmental cognitive neuroscience can only be as rich as the data we have available to us. In this talk I will show how new datasets with increasing temporal richness and novel quantitative approaches allow us to study neurocognitive development in entirely new ways. In the first half of the talk I will propose a new definition of cortical maturity. Leveraging a unique, 12-wave longitudinal neuroimaging sample, the HUBU cohort (N = 90, aged 7 - 21 years), I show how we can chart cortical thickness changes between childhood and late adolescence. We develop a novel, quantitative definition of cortical maturation: the midpoint of cortical thinning (MCT), and demonstrate that it differences between people and between brain regions. In the second half of the talk I will discuss cognitive fluctuation. Individual differences in cognitive abilities are almost universally conceptualized as traits – Stable, relatively unchanging properties of individuals. However, this perspective ignores cognitive fluctuations – Short term changes in cognitive performance within persons. I will argue this is an overlooked yet crucial aspect of cognitive performance, with distinct neural and psychological mechanisms. In this talk I will demonstrate how Dynamic SEM can be used to quantify and tease apart distinct components of cognitive variability
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05 Aug16:00 - 17:00
Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences | Campus tour for prospective bachelor's and master's students
We offer the possibility of a guided campus tour. One of our students is happy to take the time and guide you around the campus, answering all the questions you might have.
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20 Aug19:00