Individual variability in perceptual switching behaviour is associated with reversal-related EEG modulations

Abstract

ObjectiveHigh individual variability is frequently observed in multistable perception, but few ERP studies have considered this factor. The present investigation evaluates the relation between individual perceptual switching and the modulation of reversal-related ERP components. MethodsWe used a bistable perception paradigm (Kornmeier and Bach, 2004), consisting of briefly flashed grid of nine Necker cubes, interspersed by a blank screen. The subject’s task was to compare the previous stimulus with the latter one. The number of reversal perceptions was used as a measure of individual perceptual switching behaviour. ResultsAs in previously reported findings, Reversal Negativity (RN, 180–300ms) and Late Positive Component (LPC, 350–600ms) were identified in response to reversal perception. In terms of individual differences, higher reversals were associated with reduced negativity of the RN and enhanced positivity of the LPC. ConclusionThe timing of the present results supports the hypothesis that individual variability in perceptual reversal is associated with different neural activations at later stage of processing, when the neural representation of ambiguous figure must be internalized to produce an appropriate response/behaviour. SignificanceMultistable perception can reveal crucial mechanisms underlying individual perceptual re-organization when inconsistent or incoherent stimuli come from the environment.