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Synchrony: a neuronal mechanism for attentional selection?
Ernst Niebur1, Steven S Hsiao, Kenneth O Johnson
1Zanvyl Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA. Niebur@jhu.edu
Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|May 17, 2002
Summary
Attentional selection may be controlled by altering neural firing synchrony. Evidence shows changes in focus modify neural synchrony, supporting this brain process theory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Attentional selection is crucial for perception and consciousness.
- Theories suggest neural synchrony modification underlies attentional control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of neural synchrony in attentional selection.
- To provide experimental evidence for the neural synchrony modification theory of attention.
Main Methods:
- Experimental manipulation of attentional focus.
- Measurement of neural firing synchrony between neuron pairs.
Main Results:
- Changes in attentional focus were correlated with altered neural synchrony.
- Specific patterns of increased and decreased synchrony were observed.
Conclusions:
- Experimental findings support the theory that attentional selection involves modifying neural synchrony.
- Neural synchrony modification is a plausible mechanism for controlling information flow in attention.