Charlotte-and-Karl-Bühler Lecture

Abstract:

Using neurofeedback, people can learn how to modulate one’s own brain activity in a desired direction via real-time feedback of brain signals. Successful self-regulation of brain signals can lead to cognitive, motor, and affective improvements. Neurofeedback is already being used to treat a variety of clinical symptoms. Despite its promise, neurofeedback faces several challenges such as the failure of some individuals to achieve self-regulation of brain signals. In this context, it is controversial how neurofeedback learning works. Which neural and cognitive mechanism underly successful neurofeedback learning? Is it implicit or explicit learning? Different theoretical models of neurofeedback learning (e.g., operant conditioning, motor learning, skill learning, dual process theory) will be discussed and empirical studies that argue for and against these theories will be presented. Furthermore, a focus will be on the neural substrates of neurofeedback learning.