Do goals, beliefs, and desires affect visual experience? This question has long been controversial in cognitive science. There exists extensive literature documenting motivational effects on perceptual reports, but these findings could reflect biases in what people report seeing rather than what they see. Here, we propose that examining the underlying neurocomputational processes can provide new perspectives on this longstanding debate. We review evidence suggesting that motivation biases both perception and action, but does so via distinct neural systems: amygdala and locus coeruleus (LC)-norepinephrine (NE) activity enhances sensory representations for desirable stimuli, while striatal dopamine biases action selection toward goal-congruent actions. The neurocomputational approach provides a framework to advance a mechanistic understanding of motivated seeing and how these biases are shaped by context.
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Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.
