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Neural mechanisms underlying freedom to choose an object
Markus Thimm1, Ralph Weidner, Gereon R Fink
1Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Cognitive Neurology Section, Research Centre Jülich, Germany. mthimm@ukaachen.de
Human Brain Mapping
|September 21, 2011
Summary
Researchers explored the brain networks involved in choosing external objects. Free object choice activates a network including the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA), suggesting a role in initiating choices.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Decision-Making
Background:
- Previous research identified neural networks for self-initiated actions but not for choosing external objects.
- Understanding the neural basis of free choice in object selection is crucial for cognitive neuroscience.
- The distinction between object choice and motor response mechanisms requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying the free choice of external objects.
- To differentiate brain activity related to the freedom of choice from motor response processes.
- To investigate the role of specific brain regions, like the pre-SMA, in choice initiation.
Main Methods:
- Event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was employed.
- Participants freely chose between target squares, with trials either free or specified by a cue.
- An adaptive algorithm generated specified trials to match free trials, isolating choice-related activity.
Main Results:
- Free choice of objects engaged a bilateral network including dorsolateral prefrontal, medial frontal, and medial parietal cortex.
- This network overlaps with areas involved in free motor selection, including the pre-SMA, suggesting supramodal choice initiation.
- Specific activity related to the freedom of object choice was observed in the lateral superior parietal cortex.
Conclusions:
- The pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) may play a supramodal role in initiating choices, not just motor actions.
- The lateral superior parietal cortex is specifically involved in the freedom to choose external objects.
- Functional connectivity analysis revealed interactions between the superior parietal cortex and extrastriate visual areas during free object choice.
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