Benjamin M. Basile

I study memory and social cognition in nonhuman primates. My memory studies answer questions about metamemory, recollection, rehearsal, and general cognitive control. My social cognition studies answer questions about why primates find social situations rewarding. I primarily use behavioral manipulations to thoroughly map the psychology of these cognitive processes. Past studies have also combined this solid behavioral foundation with selective excitotoxic lesions or temporary inactivations to identify the underlying brain areas. My research answers fundamental questions about the evolution of primate cognition and about functional specializations within the primate brain.