Probability-independent and -dependent ERPs reflecting visual change detection

In ERP studies, two posterior components with different polarities have been identified as ERP correlates of visual change detection. To compare these components in terms of sensitivity to the preceding stimulus sequence, two peripheral stimuli of different colors (red and blue) were presented with equal (50:50) or different probabilities (20:80 or 80:20), while 12 participants performed shape discrimination at a central location. A posterior positivity at around 90-140 ms was observed with similar amplitude to all stimuli immediately preceded by a different stimulus. In contrast, a posterior negativity at around 140-180 ms was observed to increase in amplitude with increasing number of preceding different stimuli. These results suggest the existence of probability-independent and -dependent change processing in the human visual system. The functional significance is discussed in terms of memory-based comparison and stimulus-specific refractoriness.