Effects of Coherent Motion on Visual Cortex Responses
Author Information
Author(s): Harrison L.M., Stephan K.E., Rees G., Friston K.J.
Primary Institution: The Wellcome Dept. of Imaging Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, UCL
Hypothesis
Primary visual responses should be suppressed by top-down influences during coherent motion.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that coherent motion leads to suppression of striate cortex activations, indicating extra-classical effects mediated by backward connections.
Supporting Evidence
- The study found decreased responses in striate cortex during coherent motion.
- Enhanced responses were observed in the right extra-striate cortex during coherent motion.
- Results support the predictive coding theory in visual perception.
Takeaway
When we see things moving together, our brain can ignore some details to understand the bigger picture better.
Methodology
The study used fMRI to measure BOLD responses in 12 subjects while they viewed a sparse array of moving dots that oscillated either coherently or incoherently.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the limited sample size and the specific characteristics of the stimuli used.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be directly applicable to higher visual areas due to the complexity of their receptive fields.
Participant Demographics
12 right-handed subjects (8 males; age range 22–35 years; mean age 27) with normal eyesight and no neurological impairments.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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