The Relation Between Psychology and Neuroscience

Whether we study single cells, measure populations of neurons, characterize anatomical structure, or quantify BOLD, whether we collect reaction times or construct computational models, it is a presupposition of our field that we strive to bridge the neurosciences and the psychological/cognitive sciences. Our tools provide us with ever-greater spatial resolution and ideal temporal resolution. But do we have the right conceptual resolution? This conversation focuses on how we are doing with this challenge, whether we have examples of successful linking hypotheses between psychological and neurobiological accounts, whether we are missing important ideas or tools, and where we might go or should go, if all goes well. The conversation, in other words, examines the very core of cognitive neuroscience. Discussants are:

Lila Davachi, Columbia University
Jennifer Groh, Duke University
Catherine Hartley, New York University
Sharon L. Thompson-Schill, University of Pennsylvania

Discussion moderator: David Poepple, New York University