Abstract
Bi-stable perception is a strong instance of cognitive self-organization, providing a research model for how ‘the brain makes up its mind.’ The complexity of perceptual bistability prevents a simple attribution of functions to areas, because many cognitive processes, recruiting multiple brain regions, are simultaneously involved. The functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) evidence suggests the activation of a large network of distant brain areas. Concurrently, electroencephalographic and magnetoencephalographic (MEEG) literature shows sub second oscillatory activity and phase synchrony on several frequency bands. Strongly represented are beta and gamma bands, often associated with neural/cognitive integration processes. The spatial extension and short duration of brain activities suggests the need for a fast, large-scale neural coordination mechanism. To address the range of temporo-spatial scales involved, we systematize the current knowledge from mathematical models, cognitive sciences and neuroscience at large, from single-cell- to system-level research, including evidence from human and non-human primates. Surprisingly, despite evidence spanning through different organization levels, models, and experimental approaches, the scarcity of integrative studies is evident. In a final section of the review we dwell on the reasons behind such scarcity and on the need of integration in order to achieve a real understanding of the complexities underlying bi-stable perception processes.
Highlights
Bi-stable and multi-stable perception, known as perceptual rivalry (Lumer et al, 1998), refers to a process in which insufficient or ambiguous sensory information is provided to the senses such that the perceptual process cannot reach a definitive solution and continues to iterate through two or more perceptual states
The results presented indicate that the reversal negativity (RN) is present on endogenously and exogenously induced transitions, reflecting changes in perception during the bi-stability process, and that it can be modulated endogenously (Pitts et al, 2008)
On endogenously evoked transitions, the peaks of the event-related potentials (ERPs) occur 40–70 ms later than in exogenously triggered transitions (Kornmeier and Bach, 2006). These results show that the dynamics of the ERPs between the two conditions are different, with endogenous transitions requiring more time to develop
Summary
Bi-stable and multi-stable perception, known as perceptual rivalry (Lumer et al, 1998), refers to a process in which insufficient or ambiguous sensory information is provided to the senses such that the perceptual process cannot reach a definitive solution and continues to iterate through two or more perceptual states This perceptual process provides an opportunity to directly assess the neural dynamics related to perceptual change without following the unecological procedure of physically flashing different stimuli to the visual system of the subject. As every study has used different methods, stimuli and recording parameters, the exact role of each brain area and frequency band and the mechanisms of their interactions are still unknown Despite this incomplete knowledge, a solid assertion can be done so far that bi-stable processes rely on short-lived neural activity, which is widely distributed across brain regions and involves local and long-range coordination over specific frequency bands. Subjects experience changes in their level of attention but not in the object of attention (Blake and Logothetis, 2002; Sterzer et al, 2009)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
