Yu-Chin Chiu

Areas of Expertise

• cognitive control, attention, inhibitory control, fMRI, EEG

HHS Signature Research Area(s)

• Healthy Lifestyles and Vital Longevity

Department of Psychological Sciences Research Area(s)

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience and Behavior

Biography

I am interested in how humans exert top-down, cognitive control when bottom-up biases (perceptual, emotional, motivational) are in conflict with the current goal. As when cognitive control fails, these biases could become detrimental, contributing to maladaptive behaviors (e.g., attention deficits, addiction) as seen in many psychiatric disorders. My research focuses on examining two key aspects of cognitive control – the ability to select task-relevant information proactively (selective attention), and the ability to control responses reactively (response inhibition). Using various research methodologies (behavior, fMRI, EEG), my research aims to characterize the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying cognitive control, and ultimately to provide insights into how to best improve cognitive control in the relevant clinical populations.

Education

• PhD, 2010, Johns Hopkins University

Current Courses

• PSY 310 - Sensory And Perceptual Processes
• PSY 200 - Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
• PSY 628 - Perceptual Processes