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Subcortical connectivity correlates selectively with attention's effects on spatial choice bias
Varsha Sreenivasan1, Devarajan Sridharan1
1Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, 560012 Bangalore, India varshas@iisc.ac.in sridhar@iisc.ac.in.
Summary
The superior colliculus (SC) influences visuospatial attention by modulating choice bias, not sensitivity. Its connectivity with the neocortex correlates with and predicts this bias, suggesting a key role in attention networks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Neural mechanisms of attention are primarily studied in the neocortex, with limited understanding of subcortical contributions.
- The superior colliculus (SC), a midbrain structure, is implicated in visuospatial attention, but its precise role is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the superior colliculus's (SC) mechanistic role in visuospatial attention.
- To determine if the SC enhances sensitivity to attended information or biases choices towards attended information.
Main Methods:
- Employed model-based psychophysics, diffusion imaging, and tractography in human participants.
- Utilized a multialternative change detection task with endogenous spatial cueing.
- Quantified sensitivity (d') and bias (criteria) using a multidimensional signal detection model (m-ADC model).
Main Results:
- Baseline asymmetries in sensitivity and bias were observed across visual hemifields.
- Asymmetries in SC-neocortex white matter connectivity mirrored choice bias, not sensitivity.
- SC-cortex connectivity strength predicted cueing-induced modulation of bias, but not sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- The superior colliculus (SC) appears to be a critical node in controlling choice bias within visuospatial attention networks.
- Findings suggest the SC's role in attention is conserved across evolution, particularly in modulating response biases.