Degree
Master of Science
Program
Neuroscience
Supervisor
Dr. Rhodri Cusack
Abstract
The executive control network (ECN) is critical for higher cognition and executive function (EF). Despite its importance, no scientific consensus has been reached on how and when it begins to function. In the present study, we assessed the development of the ECN in awake infants less than a year old by employing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and naturalistic stimuli. First, we identified evocative movies that engaged infant attention. We then transferred them into adult imaging to test for which movie evoked the highest ECN response. Strong ECN responses were evoked while viewing Despicable Me, therefore we implemented this movie into infant imaging. We found that as early as 3-months of age, infants showed a similar response to that of adults. Overall, we demonstrated a technique that could potentially gauge EF in very young infants and developed a tool capable of imaging awake infants under natural conditions.
Recommended Citation
Tran, Michelle, "Measuring engagement of the executive control network from 3 months of age" (2016). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 3974.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/3974
Included in
Cognition and Perception Commons, Cognitive Psychology Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Pediatrics Commons