Work

Prediction Error Associated with the Perceptual Segmentation of Naturalistic Events

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: Predicting the near future is important for survival and plays a central role in theories of perception, language processing, and learning. Prediction failures may be particularly important for initiating the updating of perceptual and memory systems and, thus, for the subjective experience of events. Here, we asked observers to make predictions about what would happen 5 sec later in a movie of an everyday activity. Those points where prediction was more difficult corresponded with subjective boundaries in the stream of experience. At points of unpredictability, midbrain and striatal regions associated with the phasic release of the neurotransmitter dopamine transiently increased in activity. This activity could provide a global updating signal, cuing other brain systems that a significant new event has begun.

Source: Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience

DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_00078

Authors: Jeffrey M. Zacks, Christopher A. Kurby, Michelle L. Eisenberg, Nayiri Haroutunian

Institutions: Washington University in St. Louis, Grand Valley State University

Language: English

Topic: Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Mental Health

Awards: Neural Architecture of Event Comprehension, Aging and Development