Speaker: Dr. Brett Hayes

Title: Trapped by Early Learning: Exploration, Attention and the Emergence of Learning Traps

Host: Manos Konstantinidis

Abstract: Learning traps arise where early experience leads to a false belief about the reward structure of the environment which, in turn, leads to avoidance of rewarding options. Such traps can lead to inefficient learning, poor economic decisions and the development of negative social stereotypes. In this talk, I outline a program of research which aims to uncover the core cognitive mechanisms that underpin the emergence and persistence of learning traps. Our work examines some of the negative consequences of traps, such as blindness to change in decision-making environments. Finally, we show how an understanding of the mechanisms that underlie trap formation can inform approaches for remediating the negative effects of learning traps.

See archive of Previous speakers here

Emily Peters (12:05-12:20), Serkan Deveci (12:22-12:37), and Naomi Chopra (12:40-12:55) will present.

Co-ordinator: Dr Mikhail Spektor

Speaker: Dr. Martin CheatleLink opens in a new window, University of Pennsylvania

Title: Pain, Substance Use Disorders and Suicide: Epidemiology, Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Host: Nicole Tang

Abstract: The prevalence of suicidal ideation in patients with chronic non cancer pain is significant, ranging from 20 % to over 50 % and it has been estimated that 40% of patients seeking treatment for substance use disorders report a history of suicide attempts. Individuals coping with both pain and co-morbid substance use disorder are highly susceptible to the risk of suicide. This presentation will highlight the hidden epidemic of suicide in individuals with pain and concomitant substance use disorder, outline unique risk factors in this patient population and discuss pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions to mitigate the risk of suicide.

Speaker: Dr. Tyler Watts, Columbia University

Title: Title TBC

Host: Dieter Wolke

Abstract: TBC

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