Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
12:38
State-Dependency Effects on TMS: A Look at Motive Phosphene Behavior
Published on: December 29, 2010
The function of phenomenal states: supramodular interaction theory
1Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. ezequiel.morsella@yale.edu
Psychological Review
|November 3, 2005
Summary
Phenomenal states integrate information for adaptive action, enabling interactions between independent systems. Without them, these systems remain separate and cannot collectively influence behavior.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Discovering the function of phenomenal states is a significant scientific challenge.
- Research on conscious conflicts (e.g., "pain-for-gain") and unconscious reflexes highlights information integration for adaptive action.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose supramodular interaction theory explaining the role of phenomenal states.
- To elucidate how phenomenal states permit interactions among distinct information-processing systems.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of consciously penetrable and impenetrable conflicts.
- Examination of supramodular response systems and their concerns.
- Application of the principle of parallel responses into skeletal muscle (PRISM).
Main Results:
- Phenomenal states are essential for integrating information across supramodular systems.
- These states allow for collective influence on skeletomotor action.
- Unconscious processes, unlike phenomenal states, remain encapsulated.
Conclusions:
- Supramodular interaction theory posits that phenomenal states are crucial for inter-system communication.
- Phenomenal states enable adaptive action by facilitating the integration of diverse information.
- Without phenomenal states, agentic systems would be isolated and unable to coordinate actions.
Related Concept Videos
02:40MO Theory and Covalent Bonding
The molecular orbital theory describes the distribution of electrons in molecules in a manner similar to the distribution of electrons in atomic orbitals. The region of space in which a valence electron in a molecule is likely to be found is called a molecular orbital. Mathematically, the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) generates molecular orbitals. Combinations of in-phase atomic orbital wave functions result in regions with a high probability of electron density, while...
01:07Interference and Superposition of Waves
When two waves of the same nature occur in the same region simultaneously, they result in interference. Interference of waves implies that the net effect of the waves is the sum of the individual waves' effects. However, it does not imply that the individual waves affect the propagation of other waves.
Interference occurs in mechanical waves, such as sound waves, waves on a string, and surface water waves. Mechanical waves correspond to the physical displacement of particles. Hence,...
Interference occurs in mechanical waves, such as sound waves, waves on a string, and surface water waves. Mechanical waves correspond to the physical displacement of particles. Hence,...
01:19The Power Superposition Principle
Consider a circuit with two sinusoidal voltage sources. Each one influences the circuit independently, and the superposition principle helps us understand the combined effect by adding up the responses from each source.
01:25Transition State Theory
Transition-state theory, also known as activated-complex theory, provides a molecular-level explanation of reaction rates in both gas-phase and solution-phase reactions. It extends earlier kinetic models by considering the formation of a short-lived, high-energy configuration during a reaction.The progress of a chemical reaction can be represented using a reaction profile, which plots potential energy against the reaction coordinate. As two reactant molecules approach one another, their...
01:27State Space Representation
The frequency-domain technique, commonly used in analyzing and designing feedback control systems, is effective for linear, time-invariant systems. However, it falls short when dealing with nonlinear, time-varying, and multiple-input multiple-output systems. The time-domain or state-space approach addresses these limitations by utilizing state variables to construct simultaneous, first-order differential equations, known as state equations, for an nth-order system.
Consider an RLC circuit, a...
Consider an RLC circuit, a...
01:26Structuralism
Structuralism, an early psychological theory developed by Wilhelm Wundt and his student Edward Bradford Titchener, sought to dissect the human mind into its most fundamental components. Wundt's groundbreaking work in his laboratory set the stage for Titchener to define structuralism's goal as cataloging the "atoms" of the mind—sensations, images, and feelings—akin to how chemists identify elements of matter.
Titchener's approach to structuralism was unique. He employed introspection, a method...
Titchener's approach to structuralism was unique. He employed introspection, a method...