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The role of brain oscillations in feature integration
  • +2
  • Maria Cobos,
  • María Melcón,
  • Pablo Rodríguez San-Esteban,
  • Almudena Capilla,
  • Ana Chica
Maria Cobos
University of Granada

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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María Melcón
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Facultad de Psicología
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Pablo Rodríguez San-Esteban
University of Granada
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Almudena Capilla
Autonomous University of Madrid
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Ana Chica
University of Granada
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Abstract

Our sensory system is able to build a unified perception of the world, which although rich, is limited and inaccurate. Sometimes, features from different objects are erroneously combined. At the neural level, the role of the parietal cortex in feature integration is well-known (Humphreys, 2016; Shafritz et al., 2002). However, the brain dynamics underlying correct and incorrect feature integration are less clear. To explore the temporal dynamics of feature integration, we studied the modulation of different frequency bands in trials in which feature integration was correct or incorrect. Participants responded to the color of a shape target, surrounded by distractors. A calibration procedure ensured that accuracy was around 70% in each participant. To explore the role of expectancy in feature integration, we introduced an unexpected feature to the target in the last blocks of trials. Results demonstrated the contribution of several frequency bands to feature integration both pre- and post-stimulus. During the pre-stimulus period, alpha power was higher for illusions compared to hits. After stimulus onset, alpha, beta, and gamma-band power was reduced for hits compared to illusions. Moreover, gamma power was overall larger during the experiment for participants who were aware of the unexpected target presented during the last blocks of trials (as compared to unaware participants). These results demonstrate that feature integration is a complex process that can go wrong at different stages of information processing and is influenced by top-down expectancies.
17 Jan 2023Submitted to Psychophysiology
18 Jan 2023Submission Checks Completed
18 Jan 2023Assigned to Editor
18 Jan 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
07 Feb 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
20 Mar 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
22 Jun 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
22 Jun 20231st Revision Received
07 Jul 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
07 Aug 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
04 Sep 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
04 Sep 20232nd Revision Received
07 Sep 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
09 Oct 2023Editorial Decision: Accept
22 Nov 2023Published in Psychophysiology. https://doi.org/10.1111/psyp.14467