Evidence for neural encoding of Bayesian surprise in human somatosensation
Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review
Contributors
Abstract
Accumulating empirical evidence suggests a role of Bayesian inference and learning for shaping neural responses in auditory and visual perception. However, its relevance for somatosensory processing is unclear. In the present study we test the hypothesis that cortical somatosensory processing exhibits dynamics that are consistent with Bayesian accounts of brain function. Specifically, we investigate the cortical encoding of Bayesian surprise, a recently proposed marker of Bayesian perceptual learning, using EEG data recorded from 15 subjects. Capitalizing on a somatosensory mismatch roving paradigm, we performed computational single-trial modeling of evoked somatosensory potentials for the entire peri-stimulus time period in source space. By means of Bayesian model selection, we find that, at 140. ms post-stimulus onset, secondary somatosensory cortex represents Bayesian surprise rather than stimulus change, which is the conventional marker of EEG mismatch responses. In contrast, at 250. ms, right inferior frontal cortex indexes stimulus change. Finally, at 360. ms, our analyses indicate additional perceptual learning attributable to medial cingulate cortex. In summary, the present study provides novel evidence for anatomical-temporal/functional segregation in human somatosensory processing that is consistent with the Bayesian brain hypothesis.
Details
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 177-188 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | NeuroImage |
Volume | 62 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2012 |
Peer-reviewed | Yes |
Externally published | Yes |
External IDs
PubMed | 22579866 |
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Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Keywords
- Bayesian brain hypothesis, Computational neuroimaging, EEG single trial modeling, Somatosensory mismatch response