Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
06:46
Investigating the Deployment of Visual Attention Before Accurate and Averaging Saccades via Eye Tracking and Assessment of Visual Sensitivity
Published on: March 18, 2019
Expectations can modulate the frequency and timing of multiple saccades: a TMS study
Kimberley Martin1, Paul van Donkelaar
1Psychology Department, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1227, USA. kimm@uoregon.edu
Experimental Brain Research
|June 28, 2012
Summary
Target predictability influences saccadic planning and timing within the frontal eye fields (FEF). This research shows FEF
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oculomotor Control
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Saccadic planning and timing are crucial for visual exploration.
- The role of the frontal eye fields (FEF) in these processes is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if target predictability modulates saccadic planning and timing.
- To determine the involvement of the frontal eye fields (FEF) in these modulations.
Main Methods:
- Healthy participants performed gap saccade tasks with predictable and random target locations.
- Single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied to the FEF.
- Saccade latency and frequency of multiple saccades (MS) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Saccadic reaction times were faster for predictable targets.
- Multiple saccades (MS) occurred more frequently on the unpredictable side, showing greater TMS disruption.
- FEF stimulation timing influenced saccade planning based on predictability.
Conclusions:
- Target predictability significantly modulates saccade planning and timing.
- The frontal eye fields (FEF) play a key role in these predictable-driven modulations.
- FEF's contribution timing is also affected by target predictability.
