Active Inference in Music Perception: Motor Engagement to Syncopation Modulates Rhythmic Prediction Error

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Music Perception
• Active Inference

Background:

• Active inference posits that sensory prediction error is modulated by action.
• Syncopation in music creates metric uncertainty, potentially engaging active inference.
• The role of bodily engagement in modulating rhythmic prediction error is underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if rhythmic prediction error is modulated by improved rhythm perception via synchronized tapping.
• To examine the influence of active engagement on sensory surprisal in music perception.

Main Methods:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) recorded from 35 participants listening to rhythmic sequences.
• Comparison between a tapping condition (synchronous with the beat) and a no-tapping control condition.
• Analysis of mismatch negativity (MMN) to assess prediction error and intertrial phase coherence (ITPC) for neural entrainment.

Main Results:

• A larger MMN was observed in the tapping condition, indicating enhanced precision of rhythmic prediction.
• Intertrial phase coherence (ITPC) differed between conditions at beat-related frequencies, suggesting improved neural entrainment.
• These effects were independent of physiological arousal, as measured by EEG power and heart rate variability.

Conclusions:

• Synchronized tapping enhances meter and beat information, reducing sensory surprisal associated with syncopation.
• Bodily engagement modulates sensory prediction error within the active inference framework.
• Active inference in music perception is influenced by the precision gained through motor engagement.