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Investigating the Deployment of Visual Attention Before Accurate and Averaging Saccades via Eye Tracking and Assessment of Visual Sensitivity
Published on: March 18, 2019
Saccadic latency in deterministic environments: getting back on track after the unexpected happens.
Andrew J Anderson1, Roger H S Carpenter
1Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia. aaj@unimelb.edu.au
Journal of Vision
|December 29, 2010
Summary
The oculomotor system uses deterministic patterns to predict target appearance, reducing saccadic latency. Disrupting these patterns increases latency until the predictive low-frequency target reappears, aiding sequence re-engagement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Saccadic latencies are crucial for understanding decision-making processes.
- Target frequency influences saccadic latency in random sequences.
- Probability perception involves factors beyond simple frequency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how deterministic probabilities in repeating sequences affect saccadic latencies compared to random sequences.
- To explore the oculomotor system's strategic use of predictable events.
- To model habitual action sequences and their disruption.
Main Methods:
- Presenting targets (left/right) in both random and repeating pattern sequences.
- Measuring saccadic latencies to targets in different sequence types.
- Episodically disrupting repeating patterns to observe latency changes.
Main Results:
- Saccadic latencies were significantly shorter for low-frequency sides in repeating patterns versus random sequences.
- Disrupting patterns increased latency, which decreased upon reappearance of the low-frequency target.
- The oculomotor system strategically utilizes low-frequency, high-information events to maintain sequence phase.
Conclusions:
- The oculomotor system adapts to and leverages deterministic probabilities in sequential events.
- Predictive processing in the oculomotor system is essential for efficient habitual action sequences.
- Disruptions to habitual sequences necessitate higher-level cognitive strategies for rapid recovery.
