Similarities and Differences between Performers and Observers in Processing Auditory Action Consequences: Evidence...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Distinguishing self-generated from external stimuli is crucial for social interaction.
• Reduced neural processing (N1 and P2 event-related potentials/ERPs) occurs for auditory consequences of self-performed actions, attributed to predictive mechanisms.
• The effect of action observation on sensory processing of action-generated sounds remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether sensory processing of action-outcomes is modulated by action observation.
• To compare neural responses to self-generated sounds versus sounds from observed actions.
• To explore differences in neural processing between action performers and observers.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) recording of two individuals: a performer and an observer.
• Participants performed button presses while an observer watched in real-time.
• Analysis of N1 and P2 ERP amplitudes in response to self-generated, observed, and externally generated sounds.

Main Results:

• Performers showed reduced N1 amplitude for self-generated sounds compared to external sounds, replicating previous findings.
• Observers did not show N1 attenuation for sounds generated by observed actions.
• Both performers and observers exhibited reduced P2 amplitude for action-generated sounds (self or observed) compared to external sounds.

Conclusions:

• Both performing and observing actions modulate the processing of action-generated sounds, but with distinct temporal patterns.
• Differences in N1 and P2 modulation between performers and observers suggest varying roles of predictability in sensory processing.
• These findings contribute to understanding how the brain distinguishes stimuli caused by oneself versus others.