Long-Range Temporal Correlations in Alpha Oscillations Stabilize Perception of Ambiguous Visual Stimuli

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Perception

Background:

• Perceptual switches in bistable vision are linked to ongoing brain activity, termed neuronal noise.
• The relationship between individual differences in resting-state brain dynamics and perceptual stability remains unclear.
• Long-range temporal correlations (LRTC) quantify the complexity of brain oscillations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if individual differences in resting-state alpha band LRTC are associated with perceptual stability during bistable visual perception.
• To examine the relationship between subjective reports of thought discontinuity and perceptual switching rates.
• To explore the influence of task demands (passive observation, holding a percept, or switching percepts) on the relationship between brain dynamics and perception.

Main Methods:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to record brain activity in 65 healthy volunteers during resting-state and while viewing an ambiguous structure-from-motion stimulus.
• Participants completed the Amsterdam Resting-State Questionnaire (ARSQ) to assess thought discontinuity.
• LRTC of alpha oscillations were calculated for resting-state and task conditions, and the rate of perceptual switches was quantified.

Main Results:

• Stronger resting-state alpha band LRTC predicted fewer perceptual switches specifically in the 'Hold' condition.
• Subjective reports of thought discontinuity did not correlate with perceptual stability.
• Task-related alpha band LRTC were associated with fewer switches across all conditions, and task demands modulated alpha power.

Conclusions:

• Bistable visual perception is influenced by the complexity of alpha oscillations, as measured by LRTC.
• Perceptual stability is not solely determined by spontaneous brain activity but can be modulated by voluntary control and task demands.
• Alpha band LRTC may serve as a neural marker for perceptual stability and the ability to exert top-down control over perception.