Optimal coding predicts attentional modulation of activity in neural systems

Neuronal activity in response to a fixed stimulus has been shown to change as a function of attentional state, implying that the neural code also changes with attention. We propose an information-theoretic account of such modulation: that the nervous system adapts to optimally encode sensory stimuli while taking into account the changing relevance of different features. We show using computer simulation that such modulation emerges in a coding system informed about the uneven relevance of the input features. We present a simple feedforward model that learns a covert attention mechanism, given input patterns and coding fidelity requirements. After optimization, the system gains the ability to reorganize its computational resources (and coding strategy) depending on the incoming attentional signal, without the need of multiplicative interaction or explicit gating mechanisms between units. The modulation of activity for different attentional states matches that observed in a variety of selective attention experiments. This model predicts that the shape of the attentional modulation function can be strongly stimulus dependent. The general principle presented here accounts for attentional modulation of neural activity without relying on special-purpose architectural mechanisms dedicated to attention. This principle applies to different attentional goals, and its implications are relevant for all modalities in which attentional phenomena are observed.