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Updated: May 15, 2026
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Mapping Cortical Dynamics Using Simultaneous MEG/EEG and Anatomically-constrained Minimum-norm Estimates: an Auditory Attention Example
Published on: October 24, 2012
Spatial and object-based attention modulates broadband high-frequency responses across the human visual cortical
Ido Davidesco1, Michal Harel, Michal Ramot
1Interdisciplinary Center for Neural Computation, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
Summary
This study reconciles discrepancies between fMRI and electrophysiology in visual attention research. Electrocorticography reveals spatial attention modulates high-frequency power from early to high-order visual areas.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Visual Attention
Background:
- Discrepancies exist between fMRI and electrophysiological findings regarding visual attention modulation in early visual areas.
- The extent to which spatial attention effects reach higher-order visual areas remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate attentional modulation across the visual hierarchy using electrocorticography (ECoG).
- To reconcile conflicting findings between fMRI and electrophysiological studies on visual attention.
- To examine the interplay of spatial and object-based attention in visual processing.
Main Methods:
- Electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings were obtained from epileptic patients.
- Patients performed a task involving composite stimuli (e.g., face/house) to manipulate spatial and object-based attention.
- Analysis focused on broadband high-frequency power (30-90 Hz) and visual evoked potentials.
Main Results:
- Spatial attention consistently increased broadband high-frequency power from V1/V2 through higher visual areas, unlike visual evoked potentials.
- Attentional modulation magnitude correlated with electrode spatial selectivity and distance from the occipital pole.
- Higher-order visual areas demonstrated effects of both spatial and object-based attention.
Conclusions:
- ECoG findings help reconcile discrepancies between fMRI and electrophysiology in visual attention research.
- Spatial attention effects are present in both early and high-order visual cortical areas.
- Attentional modulation occurs in parallel with inherent stimulus tuning properties in visual areas.
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