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Measuring Attention and Visual Processing Speed by Model-based Analysis of Temporal-order Judgments

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Timing in Predictive Coding: The Roles of Task Relevance and Global Probability.

Chase Sherwell¹, Marta I Garrido¹, Ross Cunnington¹

¹University of Queensland, Australia.

Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience

|December 20, 2016

Summary

Sensory timing prediction, driven by stimulus probability, significantly impacts early brain responses. Task relevance did not affect these responses, suggesting prediction dominates attention in temporal processing.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Science
Psychology

Background:

Predictive coding models suggest attention and prediction synergize to enhance perception.
The interaction between attention and temporal prediction in sensory processing remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the interaction between attention and prediction based on auditory stimulus timing.
To determine how task relevance and stimulus probability influence neural responses related to temporal anticipation.

Main Methods:

Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to record brain activity during a go/no-go task.
Auditory stimulus onset timing was manipulated for task relevance and a priori probability.
Contingent Negative Variation (CNV) and N1 amplitude were analyzed as neural markers.

Main Results:

Preparatory activity (CNV) showed temporally specific anticipation influenced by both attention and prediction.
Higher stimulus probability resulted in significant predictive N1 suppression.
No significant effect of task relevance on N1 amplitude or its interaction with prediction was found.

Conclusions:

Predictability of sensory timing, particularly from a priori probabilities, is a primary driver of early sensory responses.
Temporal prediction effects on early sensory processing appear independent of task relevance when stimulus timing is highly predictable.
Findings extend predictive coding frameworks to incorporate the role of timing in sensory processing.