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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
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Published on: August 18, 2014
The perception of Necker cube reversal interacts with the Bereitschaftspotential
Summary
The study found that the readiness potential (BP) preceding a Necker cube reversal was smaller and earlier, influenced by psychological factors like distraction, suggesting pre-movement potentials depend on non-motoric variables.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychophysiology
Background:
- The readiness potential (BP) is a pre-movement electrical brain potential.
- Its relationship with cognitive and psychological factors is not fully understood.
- Necker cube perception offers a model for studying subjective experience and brain activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of the readiness potential (BP) during subjective perceptual reversals.
- To examine the influence of distraction on the BP during Necker cube observation.
- To determine the relationship between pre-movement potentials and non-motoric psychological variables.
Main Methods:
- Participants observed a Necker cube and reported perceptual reversals via a lever switch.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) recorded brain activity, specifically the BP.
- A distraction condition (radio-play) was introduced during observation.
Main Results:
- The BP was smaller in amplitude but earlier in onset before Necker cube reversals, particularly over fronto-central regions.
- Tonic background stimulation (distraction) reduced the BP.
- This reduction was most pronounced when no perceptual reversal was reported.
Conclusions:
- Pre-movement potentials are influenced by psychological variables, not solely motor preparation.
- Subjective experience and attentional states modulate early cortical activity.
- Findings suggest a link between cognitive processes and the neural underpinnings of voluntary action initiation.
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