Surprising sequential effects on MMN
Jade D Frost1, István Winkler2, Alexander Provost1
1School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Australia.
Abstract:
The mismatch negativity (MMN) is conceptualized as a confidence-weighted error signal elicited when a deviation violates the predicted next-state based on regularity. The mechanisms underpinning its generation remain contentious. Smaller MMN response is a robust finding in schizophrenia and reduced amplitude may implicate impairment in prediction-error signalling. An enriched understanding of factors that influence MMN size in healthy people is a prerequisite for translating the relevance of reduced MMN in schizophrenia. This paper features two studies designed to explore factors that impact MMN in healthy individuals. Study 1 confirms that MMN amplitude does not faithfully reflect transition statistics and is susceptible to order-driven bias. In study 2, we demonstrate that an order-driven bias remains despite repeated encounters with sound sequences. These data demonstrate that factors that impact on MMN size in non-clinical groups are not fully understood and that some mechanisms driving relevance filtering are likely influenced by 'top-down' expectations.
Insights
Mismatch negativity (MMN) reflects prediction errors. This study shows MMN size in healthy individuals is influenced by order-driven biases, not just statistical regularities, impacting its use as a biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychiatric Research
Background:
- Mismatch negativity (MMN) is a neural response to auditory prediction errors.
- Reduced MMN amplitude is a consistent finding in schizophrenia, suggesting impaired prediction-error signaling.
- Understanding factors influencing MMN in healthy individuals is crucial for interpreting MMN deficits in clinical populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing MMN amplitude in healthy individuals.
- To determine if MMN amplitude accurately reflects auditory transition statistics.
- To examine the role of order-driven biases and top-down expectations on MMN generation.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted using auditory oddball paradigms in healthy participants.
- Study 1 assessed MMN response to sequences with varying transition probabilities.
- Study 2 examined the persistence of order-driven biases in MMN generation over repeated exposures.
Main Results:
- MMN amplitude did not consistently reflect the actual transition statistics of auditory sequences.
- An order-driven bias significantly influenced MMN amplitude, irrespective of statistical regularities.
- This bias persisted even after repeated exposure to the sound sequences.
Conclusions:
- Factors influencing MMN size in non-clinical populations are not fully understood.
- MMN generation is susceptible to order-driven biases, challenging its interpretation solely as a statistical error signal.
- Top-down expectations appear to play a significant role in auditory relevance filtering, impacting MMN.
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