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A meta-analysis of Libet-style experiments.

Moritz Nicolai Braun1, Janet Wessler1, Malte Friese1

  • 1Department of Psychology, Saarland University, Campus, Geb. A2.4, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|June 13, 2021
PubMed
Summary

A meta-analysis of Libet-style experiments shows unconscious brain activity precedes conscious intent, challenging free will. However, the evidence for this crucial timing is limited and uncertain.

Keywords:
Free willIntentional actionLibet studyM-timeMeta-analysisReadiness potentialVolitionW-time

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Philosophy of Mind
  • Cognitive Psychology

Background:

  • The Libet experiment (1983) reported unconscious brain activity preceding conscious intention to move.
  • This finding has been widely interpreted as challenging free will and conscious causation of behavior.
  • Subsequent empirical findings have been inconsistent, necessitating a quantitative review.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a meta-analysis of Libet-style experiments.
  • To quantitatively summarize the evidence regarding the temporal relationship between unconscious brain activity and conscious intention.
  • To assess the robustness of findings related to conscious causation and free will.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative meta-analysis of published Libet-style experiments.
  • Focus on the time difference between unconscious brain activity (e.g., readiness potential) and self-reported conscious intention to move.
  • Statistical synthesis of effect sizes and associated uncertainties.

Main Results:

  • The meta-analysis confirmed a temporal pattern consistent with Libet's original findings.
  • A very small number of studies (k=6) reported the critical time difference between unconscious brain activity and conscious intention.
  • A high degree of uncertainty was associated with the meta-analytic estimate of this key time difference.

Conclusions:

  • Libet-style findings, particularly concerning the timing of conscious intention, may be more fragile than previously assumed.
  • The limited and uncertain evidence challenges the strong claims made about free will based on these experiments.
  • Further rigorous research is needed to clarify the relationship between brain activity, conscious intention, and behavior.