A Perception and Action Approach to Cognitive Neuroscience

Overview

If we are to successfully interact with the world around us, our visual system must do two important things: recognize objects and assist in the programming and control of actions directed at those objects.

By investigating neuropsychological patients who have difficulty perceiving the world and interacting within it, my research has helped address one of the fundamental questions in Cognitive Neuroscience – how sensory information is transformed into perceptions of the world and useful motor acts.

Join Jonathan J. Marotta and the Neuroscience Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association as they explore 'A Perception and Action Approach to Cognitive Neuroscience'.

Learning Objectives

After attending this online course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand neuropsychological investigations of how the brain processes visual information for perception and visuomotor control.
2. Develop an integrated approach to treatment that focuses on mobility limitations and the recovery of cognitive function.
3. Motivate modern robotics into developing personal caregivers that can keep older adults active and in their homes.

Presenter: Jonathan J. Marotta, PhD

Professor, Brain & Cognitive Sciences
Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba

After earning his PhD in Neuroscience working with Dr. M.A. Goodale at the University of Western Ontario, Dr. Marotta was awarded funding by the McDonnell-Pew Program in Cognitive Neuroscience and NSERC to continue his training as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Dr. M. Behrmann’s laboratory at Carnegie Mellon University and the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC). Dr. Marotta returned to Canada to take up a CIHR INMHA Senior Research Fellowship position in Dr. J.D. Crawford’s laboratory at the Centre for Vision Research (CVR) at York University.

Dr. Marotta is currently a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Manitoba and Lab Director of the Perception and Action Lab. His lab provides an excellent context for the integration of multiple cognitive neuroscience approaches – visuomotor control, perception, neuropsychology and neuroimaging. His trainees develop in-demand expertise with 3D-visuomotor paradigms utilizing sophisticated motion tracking systems, and perceptual and neuroimaging design and analysis.