Abstract
Preparatory modulations of cortical α-band oscillations are a reliable index of the voluntary allocation of covert spatial attention. It is currently unclear whether attentional cues containing information about a target's identity (such as its visual orientation), in addition to its location, might additionally shape preparatory α modulations. Here, we explore this question by directly comparing spatial and feature-based attention in the same visual detection task while recording brain activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG). At the behavioral level, preparatory feature-based and spatial attention cues both improved performance and did so independently of each other. Using MEG, we replicated robust α lateralization following spatial cues: in preparation for a visual target, α power decreased contralaterally and increased ipsilaterally to the attended location. Critically, however, preparatory α lateralization was not significantly modulated by predictions regarding target identity, as carried via the behaviorally effective feature-based attention cues. Furthermore, nonlateralized α power during the cue-target interval did not differentiate between uninformative cues and cues carrying feature-based predictions either. Based on these results we propose that preparatory α modulations play a role in the gating of information between spatially segregated cortical regions and are therefore particularly well suited for spatial gating of information.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present work clarifies if and how human brain oscillations in the α-band support multiple types of anticipatory attention. Using magnetoencephalography, we show that posterior α-band oscillations are modulated by predictions regarding the spatial location of an upcoming visual target, but not by feature-based predictions regarding its identity, despite robust behavioral benefits. This provides novel insights into the functional role of preparatory α mechanisms and suggests a limited specificity with which they may operate.
Highlights
NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present work clarifies if and how human brain oscillations in the ␣-band support multiple types of anticipatory attention
Identity predictions could be hypothesized to lead to weaker ␣ modulations, since only those populations coding for the expected target features need to upregulate their excitability, as opposed to the larger cortical population coding for all possible target identities
We set out to investigate whether predictions about target identity, in addition to predictions about locations, modulate preparatory attentional ␣ modulations
Summary
NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present work clarifies if and how human brain oscillations in the ␣-band support multiple types of anticipatory attention. We show that posterior ␣-band oscillations are modulated by predictions regarding the spatial location of an upcoming visual target, but not by featurebased predictions regarding its identity, despite robust behavioral benefits This provides novel insights into the functional role of preparatory ␣ mechanisms and suggests a limited specificity with which they may operate. Similar ␣ lateralization with attentional allocation is observed in the somatosensory system when anticipating tactile stimuli (Haegens et al 2011a; van Ede et al 2011) Such preparatory ␣ modulations have been proposed to reflect functional inhibition of sensory regions processing irrelevant information and/or a release of inhibition of those regions processing relevant information (Foxe and Snyder 2011; Jensen et al 2012; Jensen and Mazaheri 2010; Klimesch 2012). These ␣ modulations have been shown to be functionally relevant, predicting task performance on a trial-by-trial basis (Hanslmayr et al 2007; Mathewson et al 2009; Romei et al 2010; van Dijk et al 2008)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
