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Effects of Attention in Visual Cortex: Linking Single Neuron Physiology to Visual Detection and Discrimination

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From Human Attention to Computational Attention

Part of the book series: Springer Series in Cognitive and Neural Systems ((SSCNS,volume 10))

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Abstract

The biological basis of human attention has been greatly advanced through the use of monkeys as a model organism. The visual system of macaque monkeys is highly similar to that of humans. Monkeys can be trained to attend to visual stimuli while holding their eyes still. This makes them ideal subjects for studying neurophysiological correlates of attention. Over the past few decades, such studies have revealed the computational mechanisms through which attention modulates visual responses. At the level of individual cortical neurons, attention can act to increase the gain and reduce the variability of responses to attended visual stimuli. These results set the stage for the development of a biologically plausible standard model of sensory attention. By applying the principles of signal detection theory, this model can link physiological effects of attention to psychophysical performance. The general approach of attempting to explain behavior based on neuronal activity can be used to refine and elaborate the standard model.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by NIH grant MH059244. Dr. Gaurav Patel assisted with the preparation of Fig. 6.1.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 87, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Vincent P. Ferrera

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  1. Vincent P. Ferrera
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Correspondence to Vincent P. Ferrera .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Numediart Institute, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium

    Matei Mancas

  2. Columbia University, New York, New York, USA

    Vincent P. Ferrera

  3. Numediart Institute, University of Mons, MONS, Belgium

    Nicolas Riche

  4. King's College, LONDON, United Kingdom

    John G. Taylor

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Ferrera, V.P. (2016). Effects of Attention in Visual Cortex: Linking Single Neuron Physiology to Visual Detection and Discrimination. In: Mancas, M., Ferrera, V., Riche, N., Taylor, J. (eds) From Human Attention to Computational Attention. Springer Series in Cognitive and Neural Systems, vol 10. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3435-5_6

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