EEG gamma-band response during the perception of Necker cube reversals

Abstract

In two former studies our research group reported frontal gamma-band enhancement during multistable visual perception and reversal rate dependent differences in the gamma-band. In these studies, a dynamic reversible figure was used which was based on the phenomenon of apparent motion. The aim of this study was to examine whether the results obtained with a dynamic motion paradigm can be replicated with the static Necker cube. The results demonstrate a general frontal gamma-band enhancement and higher induced gamma activity for subjects with a relatively high reversal rate in comparison to subjects with a relatively low reversal rate. This pattern of results fits well to the findings obtained with the dynamic motion paradigm. Therefore, the important role of frontal gamma activity for figure reversals has received further evidence. The results support the involvement of attentional top-down processing of figure reversal that is not directly related to binding processes.