Spontaneous neural fluctuations predict decisions to attend

J Cogn Neurosci. 2014 Nov;26(11):2578-84. doi: 10.1162/jocn_a_00650. Epub 2014 Apr 16.

Abstract

Ongoing variability in neural signaling is an intrinsic property of the brain. Often this variability is considered to be noise and ignored. However, an alternative view is that this variability is fundamental to perception and cognition and may be particularly important in decision-making. Here, we show that a momentary measure of occipital alpha-band power (8-13 Hz) predicts choices about where human participants will focus spatial attention on a trial-by-trial basis. This finding provides evidence for a mechanistic account of decision-making by demonstrating that ongoing neural activity biases voluntary decisions about where to attend within a given moment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alpha Rhythm / physiology*
  • Attention / physiology*
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Choice Behavior / physiology*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Spatial Behavior / physiology*