Using a Veto paradigm to investigate the decision models in explaining Libet-style experiments

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Philosophy of Mind
• Decision-Making Research

Background:

• The readiness potential (RP) preceding conscious intention in Libet's experiments has fueled debate on free will.
• Libet's findings were interpreted as unconscious brain activity determining actions before conscious decision.
• Alternative interpretations, like integration-to-bound (ITB) models, propose RP reflects ongoing decision processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test if the ITB model better explains behavioral patterns in Libet-style experiments.
• To investigate the 'vetoing' phenomenon by introducing a 'whether-component' to the Libet task (Veto Libet task).
• To compare behavioral measures between the Classical Libet task and the Veto Libet task.

Main Methods:

• Introduction of a 'whether-component' to create the Veto Libet task.
• Comparison of behavioral measures between the Veto Libet task and the Classical Libet task.
• First-time application of the Libet task in an online setting, comparing results to offline studies.

Main Results:

• Signal accumulation in the Veto Libet task was less steep than in the Classical Libet task, supporting ITB hypotheses.
• Longer wait times and earlier self-reported intentions (W) were observed in the Veto Libet task.
• Behavioral parameters from the online Libet task were comparable to previous offline studies.

Conclusions:

• Findings support integration-to-bound models, suggesting conscious intention arises from accumulating evidence to a threshold.
• Behavioral differences highlight the Veto Libet task's utility for studying the vetoing phenomenon.
• The online Libet task is a viable platform for studying arbitrary decision-making, yielding reliable behavioral correlates.