Our research: We are interested in using neuroimaging (fMRI, EEG, MEG), psychophysics and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to test cognitive models of how we become consciously aware of visual stimuli. Some of these models are driven by computational principles, such as how the brain optimally deals with signals and noise in a Bayesian ( i.e. probabilistic) fashion. The models are also informed by empirical research that focuses on the functions of consciousness. Our previous findings have led us to think that consciousness does not have too many special functions, in the sense that many tasks that seem to require consciousness could actually also be performed unconsciously, if the suitable conditions are obtained. (Here is a review.) This has led to the view that consciousness should not be treated as a superior form of information processing; it is just 'different' from unconscious processing. Our goal then, is to pin down these differences.
Here you can find a critique of the current imaging studies of visual consciousness, and a sketch of our model.
We are also interested in how conscious perception interacts with and relates to higher-cognitive functions such as attention, uncertainty reporting and other metacognitive processes.
Our lab: We are primarily based at Psychology in the beautiful Morningside Height main campus, which is located a few blocks away from the upper west corner of Central Park. Lab meetings are on Thursdays, 5-6pm. If you'd like to attend, please contact hakwan@gmail.com. Lab drinks are on Wednesdays from 8pm onwards, taking place in a secret location. Unfortunately it's per invitation only...
Consciousness in NYC: The Psychology department has recently expanded in the cognitive neuroscience section. Now there are five different groups primarily doing brain imaging research in the same building, working on topics such as emotion, pain, social cognition, memory, cognitive control and fMRI methodology. Some other members of the department have strong interests in vision, agency and the evolution of consciousness. Beyond Columbia, in New York city there are many other excellent labs in vision and computational neuroscience. Our link with NYU is particularly strong; students from there sometimes come to take our classes (such as Hakwan's seminar on consciousness), and there are planned collaborations with researchers there downtown. New York city is also home to many key figures in the philosophy of mind and consciousness, such as Ned Block, David Rosenthal, Christopher Peacock, Jerry Fodor, Thomas Nagel - just to name a few. We interact with some of them regularly.
Joining us! We are looking for students with a strong computational/ mathematical background to volunteer in the lab. Such work would not be paid, but would typically be rewarded by first- or second- authorship in publications. For more info please contact hakwan@gmail.com.
We do NOT plan to take on graduate students in the coming academic year (to start in Fall 2009).
