Clarifying Cognitive Control and the Controllable Connectome

TL;DR

This paper explores the intersection of cognitive control and control theory in brain networks, emphasizing the potential for synergistic research while cautioning against conceptual confusion.

Contribution

It clarifies the distinctions between cognitive control and control theory, proposing a framework for integrated research in human brain networks.

Findings

Identifies conceptual similarities and differences between the fields.

Suggests strategies for synergistic research.

Highlights contributions of neuroscience and systems engineering.

Abstract

Cognitive control researchers aim to describe the processes that support adaptive cognition to achieve specific goals. Control theorists consider how to influence the state of systems to reach certain user-defined goals. In brain networks, some conceptual and lexical similarities between cognitive control and control theory offer appealing avenues for scientific discovery. However, these opportunities also come with the risk of conceptual confusion. Here, I suggest that each field of inquiry continues to produce novel and distinct insights. Then, I describe opportunities for synergistic research at the intersection of these subdisciplines with a critical stance that reduces the risk of conceptual confusion. Through this exercise, we can observe that both cognitive neuroscience and systems engineering have much to contribute to cognitive control research in human brain networks.