Advances in Perceptual Decision Making and Brain Oscillations

Perceptual decision-making involves complex neural processes that allow us to interpret sensory information and make informed choices. Neuroscientific research has increasingly focused on the role of brain oscillations in these processes, revealing that rhythmic neural activity across different frequency bands significantly influences cognitive functions. Brain oscillations, such as theta, alpha, and beta waves, facilitate communication within and between neural circuits, underpinning our ability to process sensory inputs, maintain attention, and execute decisions. Understanding how these oscillatory patterns contribute to perceptual decision-making can provide profound insights into the neurobiological basis of cognitive functions and disorders.

This Research Topic aims to elucidate the neural mechanisms by which brain oscillations impact perceptual decision-making. By investigating the dynamic interplay of neural circuitry and oscillatory activity during decision-making tasks, we seek to shed light on the cognitive engagement reflected in these patterns. We will explore the interaction of various frequency bands during these tasks, examine individual variations in oscillatory patterns, and identify neural signatures linked to decision attributes like confidence, bias, and accuracy. Additionally, the role of cognitive load and task demands on oscillatory dynamics, the importance of brain connectivity, and the integration of experimental and computational approaches will be investigated. This comprehensive approach will not only deepen our understanding of perceptual decision-making but also inform potential clinical applications for disorders involving disrupted brain oscillations.

We invite researchers to contribute original research articles, reviews, and theoretical papers that address the following themes:
-Interaction of different frequency bands (theta, alpha, beta) during decision-making tasks.
-Individual variations in oscillatory patterns and their impact on perceptual decision-making, emphasizing the relevance of inter-individual alpha frequency (IAF), along with other influencing factors such as age and genetic predispositions.
-Neural signatures of decision-making attributes such as confidence, bias, and accuracy.
-Effects of varying cognitive loads and task demands on brain oscillation dynamics during perceptual tasks.
-Role of brain connectivity and synchronized oscillatory activity in coherent perceptual experiences.
-Integration of electrophysiological data (EEG/MEG) with computational models of decision-making.
-Exploration of predictive coding and Bayesian inference models in perceptual decision-making.
-Implications of disrupted brain oscillations for perceptual and decision-making impairments in clinical populations, including conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and ADHD.
-Investigating the role of neurofeedback in modulating oscillatory patterns to enhance perceptual decision-making and cognitive flexibility.
-Exploring the impact of sleep and circadian rhythms on oscillatory dynamics and their subsequent effects on decision-making processes.

We encourage submissions that combine experimental data with computational modeling to enhance the validity of findings and provide a comprehensive understanding of perceptual decision-making mechanisms.

Keywords: Brain Oscillations, Perceptual Decision-Making, Neural Circuitry, Cognitive Load, EEG/MEG

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.