Structured behavioral data format: An NWB extension standard for task-based behavioral neuroscience experiments

Abstract

Understanding brain function necessitates linking neural activity with corresponding behavior. Structured behavioral experiments are crucial for probing the neural computations and dynamics underlying behavior; however, adequately representing their complex data is a significant challenge. Currently, a comprehensive data standard that fully encapsulates task-based experiments, integrating neural activity with the richness of behavioral context, is lacking. We designed a data model, as an extension to the NWB neurophysiology data standard, to represent structured behavioral neuroscience experiments, spanning stimulus delivery, timestamped events and responses, and simultaneous neural recordings. This data format is validated through its application to a variety of experimental designs, showcasing its potential to advance integrative analyses of neural circuits and complex behaviors. This work introduces a comprehensive data standard designed to capture and store a spectrum of behavioral data, encapsulating the multifaceted nature of modern neuroscience experiments.