Neuroimaging of reality: A new approach for investigating neural bases of decision-making with real-world objects

IF 2.3 4区医学 Q2 BIOCHEMICAL RESEARCH METHODS

Journal of Neuroscience Methods Pub Date : 2026-05-01 Epub Date: 2026-01-20 DOI:10.1016/j.jneumeth.2026.110692

Damien Gabriel , Guillaume Bertrand , Magali Nicolier , Julie Giustiniani

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Neuroimaging studies often use computerized tasks, but reliance on virtual stimuli limits ecological validity. Incorporating real object interaction under controlled recording conditions may enhance the study of decision-making processes.

New method

We developed Lab-Life, a device enabling manipulation of real objects while ensuring precise monitoring and compatibility with electrophysiological recordings. Forty-four right-handed healthy volunteers performed two decision-making tasks: the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT, real vs. virtual cards) and the Game of Dice Task (GDT, real vs. virtual dice). Twenty-two participants (11 per task) used Lab-Life (hybrid condition), while additional virtual task groups were included to illustrate typical behavioral and EEG signatures. Object identity and values were tracked with infrared cameras, and EEG was recorded to analyze event-related potentials (ERPs) to outcomes.

Results

Behavioral analyses showed perfect concordance between expected and detected object values in hybrid condition, validating Lab-Life’s automated object recognition. EEG analyses revealed comparable numbers of valid trials and similar ERP patterns between hybrid and virtual task conditions, indicating that the device does not introduce movement artifacts. Participants consistently reported higher enjoyment when manipulating real compared to virtual objects.

Comparison with existing methods

Unlike conventional paradigms relying solely on virtual stimuli, Lab-Life integrates real objects without compromising behavioral or electrophysiological data quality. The device allows precise temporal synchronization between object manipulation and EEG recordings while preserving experimental control.

Conclusions

Lab-Life is a validated methodological tool for combining behavioral and electrophysiological measures with real object manipulation. It offers a flexible and adaptable platform for decision-making, memory, or perceptual tasks, thereby bridging the gap between laboratory experiments and real-life conditions. Larger studies are warranted to further explore its impact on cognitive performance.

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现实的神经成像：研究现实世界物体决策的神经基础的新方法

神经成像研究通常使用计算机化任务，但依赖虚拟刺激限制了生态有效性。在受控的记录条件下结合真实物体的相互作用可以加强对决策过程的研究。我们开发了Lab-Life，一种能够操纵真实物体的设备，同时确保精确监测和与电生理记录的兼容性。44名健康的右利手志愿者执行了两项决策任务：爱荷华赌博任务（IGT，真实纸牌vs虚拟纸牌）和骰子游戏任务（GDT，真实骰子vs虚拟骰子）。22名参与者（每个任务11人）使用Lab-Life（混合条件），同时包括额外的虚拟任务组来说明典型的行为和脑电图特征。用红外摄像机跟踪目标识别和值，并记录脑电图以分析事件相关电位（ERPs）与结果。结果在混合条件下，行为分析结果显示预期目标值与检测目标值完全一致，验证了Lab-Life的自动目标识别。脑电图分析显示，在混合任务和虚拟任务条件下，有效试验的数量和相似的ERP模式相当，表明该设备不会引入运动伪影。参与者一致表示，与操纵虚拟物体相比，操纵真实物体更有乐趣。与仅依赖虚拟刺激的现有方法相比，Lab-Life集成了真实对象，而不影响行为或电生理数据的质量。该设备允许对象操作和脑电图记录之间的精确时间同步，同时保持实验控制。结论lab - life是一种将行为和电生理测量与实物操作相结合的行之有效的方法工具。它为决策、记忆或感知任务提供了一个灵活和适应性强的平台，从而弥合了实验室实验和现实生活条件之间的差距。需要更大规模的研究来进一步探索它对认知表现的影响。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Neuroscience Methods 医学-神经科学

CiteScore

7.10

自引率

3.30%

发文量

226

审稿时长

52 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Neuroscience Methods publishes papers that describe new methods that are specifically for neuroscience research conducted in invertebrates, vertebrates or in man. Major methodological improvements or important refinements of established neuroscience methods are also considered for publication. The Journal''s Scope includes all aspects of contemporary neuroscience research, including anatomical, behavioural, biochemical, cellular, computational, molecular, invasive and non-invasive imaging, optogenetic, and physiological research investigations.