scholarly journals Evaluation of self-generated behavior: untangling metacognitive read-out and error detection

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadeusz W. Kononowicz ◽  
Virginie van Wassenhove
Keyword(s):  
Error Detection ◽  
Performance Monitoring ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Time Estimates ◽  
Oscillatory Brain Activity ◽  
Human Participants ◽  
The Brain

ABSTRACTWhen producing a duration, for instance by pressing a key for one second, the brain relies on self-generated neuronal dynamics to monitor the “flow of time”. Converging evidence has suggested that the brain can also monitor itself monitoring time. Here, we investigated which brain mechanisms support metacognitive inferences when self-generating timing behavior. Although studies have shown that participants can reliably detect temporal errors when generating a duration (Akdogan & Balci, 2017; Kononowicz et al., 2017), the neural bases underlying the evaluation and the monitoring of this self-generated temporal behavior are unknown. Theories of psychological time have also remained silent about such self-evaluation abilities. How are temporal errors inferred on the basis of purely internally driven brain dynamics without external reference for time? We contrasted the error-detection hypothesis, in which error-detection would result from the comparison of competing motor plans with the read-out hypothesis, in which errors would result from inferring the state of an internal code for motor timing. Human participants generated a time interval, and evaluated the magnitude of their timing (first and second order behavioral judgments, respectively) while being recorded with time-resolved neuroimaging. Focusing on the neural signatures following the termination of self-generated duration, we found several regions involved in performance monitoring, which displayed a linear association between the power of α (8-14 Hz) oscillations, and the duration of the produced interval. Altogether, our results support the read-out hypothesis and indicate that first-order signals may be integrated for the evaluation of self-generated behavior.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWhen typing on a keyboard, the brain estimates where the finger should land, but also when. The endogenous generation of the when in time is naturally accompanied by timing errors which, quite remarkably, participants can accurately rate as being too short or too long, and also by how much. Here, we explored the brain mechanisms supporting such temporal metacognitive inferences. For this, we contrasted two working hypotheses (error-detection vs. read-out), and showed that the pattern of evoked and oscillatory brain activity parsimoniously accounted best for a read-out mechanism. Our results suggest the existence of meta-representations of time estimates.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Self-generated Behavior: Untangling Metacognitive Readout and Error Detection

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (11) ◽  
pp. 1641-1657 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadeusz W. Kononowicz ◽  
Virginie van Wassenhove
Keyword(s):  
Error Detection ◽  
Performance Monitoring ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Detection Mechanism ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Linear Association ◽  
External Reference ◽  
Human Participants ◽  
Motor Actions ◽  
The Brain

When producing a duration, for instance, by pressing a key for 1 sec, the brain relies on self-generated neuronal dynamics to monitor the “flow of time.” Evidence has suggested that the brain can also monitor itself monitoring time, the so-called self-evaluation. How are temporal errors inferred on the basis of purely internally driven brain dynamics with no external reference for time? Although studies have shown that participants can reliably detect temporal errors when generating a duration, the neural bases underlying the evaluation of this self-generated temporal behavior are unknown. Theories of psychological time have also remained silent about such self-evaluation abilities. We assessed the contributions of an error-detection mechanism, in which error detection results from the ability to estimate the latency of motor actions, and of a readout mechanism, in which errors would result from inferring the state of a duration representation. Error detection predicts a V-shape association between neural activity and self-evaluation at the offset of a produced interval, whereas the readout predicts a linear association. Here, human participants generated a time interval and evaluated the magnitude of their timing (first- and second-order behavioral judgments, respectively). Focusing on the MEG/EEG signatures after the termination of the self-generated duration, we found several cortical sources involved in performance monitoring displaying a linear association between the power of alpha (α = 8–14 Hz) oscillations and self-evaluation. Altogether, our results support the readout hypothesis and indicate that duration representation may be integrated for the evaluation of self-generated behavior.

scholarly journals Temporal Metacognition as the Decoding of Self-Generated Brain Dynamics

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (10) ◽  
pp. 4366-4380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadeusz W Kononowicz ◽  
Clémence Roger ◽  
Virginie van Wassenhove
Keyword(s):  
Dimensional Space ◽  
Internal Variable ◽  
Brain Dynamics ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Thought Process ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Oscillatory Mechanisms ◽  
Human Participants ◽  
Low Dimensional

Abstract Metacognition, the ability to know about one’s thought process, is self-referential. Here, we combined psychophysics and time-resolved neuroimaging to explore metacognitive inference on the accuracy of a self-generated behavior. Human participants generated a time interval and evaluated the signed magnitude of their temporal production. We show that both self-generation and self-evaluation relied on the power of beta oscillations (β; 15–40 Hz) with increases in early β power predictive of increases in duration. We characterized the dynamics of β power in a low-dimensional space (β state-space trajectories) as a function of timing and found that the more distinct trajectories, the more accurate metacognitive inferences were. These results suggest that β states instantiate an internal variable determining the fate of the timing network’s trajectory, possibly as release from inhibition. Altogether, our study describes oscillatory mechanisms for timing, suggesting that temporal metacognition relies on inferential processes of self-generated dynamics.

scholarly journals Temporal metacognition as the decoding of self-generated brain dynamics

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadeusz W. Kononowicz ◽  
Clémence Roger ◽  
Virginie van Wassenhove
Keyword(s):  
Dimensional Space ◽  
Internal Variable ◽  
Brain Dynamics ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Thought Process ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Oscillatory Mechanisms ◽  
Human Participants ◽  
Low Dimensional

SUMMARYMetacognition, the ability to know about one’s thought process, is self-referential. Here, we combined psychophysics and time-resolved neuroimaging to explore metacognitive inference on the accuracy of a self-generated behavior. Human participants generated a time interval and evaluated the signed magnitude of their temporal production. We show that both self-generation and self-evaluation relied on the power of beta oscillations (β; 15−40 Hz) with increases in early β power predictive of increases in duration. We characterized the dynamics of β power in a low dimensional space (β state-space trajectories) as a function of timing and found that the more distinct trajectories, the more accurate metacognitive inferences were. These results suggest that β states instantiates an internal variable determining the fate of the timing network’s trajectory, possibly as release from inhibition. Altogether, our study describes oscillatory mechanisms for timing, suggesting that temporal metacognition relies on inferential processes of self-generated dynamics.

Abnormal Brain Activity Related to Performance Monitoring and Error Detection in Children with ADHD

Cortex ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 377-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Liotti ◽  
Steven R. Pliszka ◽  
Ricardo Perez ◽  
Delia Kothmann ◽  
Marty G. Woldorff
Keyword(s):  
Error Detection ◽  
Performance Monitoring ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Abnormal Brain

scholarly journals Oscillatory Components of Psychedelic Experience

2021 ◽  
pp. 002216782110418
Author(s):  
Paul Grof
Keyword(s):  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Dynamic Aspect ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
States Of Consciousness ◽  
Psychedelic Drug ◽  
Experiential Content ◽  
Transformative Process ◽  
Oscillatory Brain Activity ◽  
The Brain

As humanity has been utilizing psychedelic substances for millennia, much knowledge has already been accumulated about the exploratory potential and therapeutic power of the psychedelic-induced nonordinary states of consciousness (NSC). However, we still have only a limited understanding of the process that unfolds in mind and the brain. Only recently have systematic investigations become possible, as the myths about psychedelics are abating and the legal strictures gradually loosening. With the availability of brain imaging techniques, exciting findings have been made about the associated dynamic brain processes. Our prospective observations of spontaneously generated NSC, major mood disorders, have been elucidating another dynamic aspect, the oscillatory brain processes. The findings indicate that the NSC’s propensity is markedly increased at the peaks of the oscillatory brain activity and that the NSC entirely unfolds when the oscillations exceed their normal range. The observation that neurobiological correlates of experientially opposite NSC, melancholy and mania, appear qualitatively the same is compatible with the concept that the experiential content is emerging from nonlocal consciousness. Psychedelic experiences are triggered by the administration of the psychedelic drug. However, they are influenced by nondrug factors and molded, in particular, by the individual’s mental set and the setting of the session. The transformative process can be utilized psychotherapeutically for healing and profound inner restructuring.

scholarly journals Tonic and transient oscillatory brain activity during acute exercise

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis F. Ciria ◽  
Antonio Luque-Casado ◽  
Daniel Sanabria ◽  
Darias Holgado ◽  
Plamen Ch. Ivanov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Oddball Task ◽  
Exercise Condition ◽  
Maximum Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Oscillatory Brain Activity ◽  
The Brain

AbstractThe physiological changes that occur in the main body systems and organs during physical exercise are well described in the literature. Despite the key role of brain in processing afferent and efferent information from organ systems to coordinate and optimize their functioning, little is known about how the brain works during exercise. The present study investigated tonic and transient oscillatory brain activity during a single bout of aerobic exercise. Twenty young males (19-32 years old) were recruited for two experimental sessions on separate days. Electroencephalographic (EEG) activity was recorded during a session of cycling at 80% (moderate-to-high intensity) of VO2max (maximum aerobic capacity) while performing an oddball task where participants had to detect infrequent targets presented among frequent non-targets. This was compared to a (baseline) light intensity session (30% VO2max). The light intensity session was included to control for any potential effect of dual-tasking (i.e., pedaling and performing the oddball task). A warm-up and cool down periods were completed before and after exercise, respectively. A cluster-based nonparametric permutations test showed an increase in power across the entire frequency spectrum during the moderate-to-high intensity exercise, with respect to light intensity. Further, we found that the more salient target lead to lower increase in (stimulus-evoked) theta power in the 80% VO2max with respect to the light intensity condition. On the contrary, higher decrease alpha and lower beta power was found for standard trials in the moderate-to-high exercise condition than in the light exercise condition. The present study unveils, for the first time, a complex brain activity pattern during acute exercise (at 80% of maximum aerobic capacity). These findings might help to elucidate the nature of changes that occur in the brain during physical exertion.

scholarly journals Online self-evaluation of fMRI-based neurofeedback performance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Muñoz-Moldes ◽  
Anita Tursic ◽  
Michael Lührs ◽  
Judith Eck ◽  
Amaia Benitez Andonegui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Monitoring ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Blood Oxygen Level Dependent ◽  
Imagery Task ◽  
Blood Oxygen Level ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Evaluation Of Performance ◽  
Signal Change ◽  
Performance Predictions

AbstractThis study explores the subjective evaluation of supplementary motor area (SMA) regulation performance in a real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback (fMRI-NF) task. In fMRI-NF, people learn how to self-regulate their brain activity by performing mental actions to achieve a certain target level of blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) activation. This setup offers the possibility to study performance monitoring in the absence of somatosensory feedback. Here, we studied two types of self-evaluation expressed before receiving neurofeedback: performance predictions and perceived confidence in the prediction judgement. We hypothesized that throughout learning, participants would (1) improve the precision of their performance predictions about the actual changes in their BOLD response, and (2) that reported confidence would progressively increase with improved metacognitive precision. Participants completed three sessions of SMA regulation in a 7T fMRI scanner, performing a drawing motor imagery task. During each trial, they modulated their mental drawing strategy to achieve one of two different levels of target fMRI signal change. They then reported a performance prediction and their confidence in the prediction before receiving delayed BOLD-activation feedback. Results show that participants’ performance predictions improved with learning throughout the three sessions, and that these improvements were not driven exclusively by their knowledge of previous performance. Confidence reports on the other hand showed no change throughout training and did not differentiate between the better and worse predictions. In addition to shedding light on mechanisms of internal monitoring during neurofeedback training, these results also point to a dissociation between self-evaluation of performance and corresponding reported confidence in the presence of feedback.

Complexity Measures of Brain Electrophysiological Activity

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Włodzimierz Klonowski ◽  
Pawel Stepien ◽  
Robert Stepien
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Deterministic Chaos ◽  
Epileptic Seizures ◽  
Eeg Signal ◽  
Eeg Signals ◽  
Complexity Measures ◽  
Electrophysiological Activity ◽  
Signal Complexity ◽  
Physiological Sleep ◽  
The Brain

Over 20 years ago, Watt and Hameroff (1987 ) suggested that consciousness may be described as a manifestation of deterministic chaos in the brain/mind. To analyze EEG-signal complexity, we used Higuchi’s fractal dimension in time domain and symbolic analysis methods. Our results of analysis of EEG-signals under anesthesia, during physiological sleep, and during epileptic seizures lead to a conclusion similar to that of Watt and Hameroff: Brain activity, measured by complexity of the EEG-signal, diminishes (becomes less chaotic) when consciousness is being “switched off”. So, consciousness may be described as a manifestation of deterministic chaos in the brain/mind.

Relation Between Level of Prefrontal Activity and Subject's Performance

1999 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence Casini ◽  
Françoise Macar ◽  
Marie-Hélène Giard
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Practice Phase ◽  
Trained Subjects ◽  
Anagram Task ◽  
Economic Information ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Processing Mechanism

Abstract The experiment reported here was aimed at determining whether the level of brain activity can be related to performance in trained subjects. Two tasks were compared: a temporal and a linguistic task. An array of four letters appeared on a screen. In the temporal task, subjects had to decide whether the letters remained on the screen for a short or a long duration as learned in a practice phase. In the linguistic task, they had to determine whether the four letters could form a word or not (anagram task). These tasks allowed us to compare the level of brain activity obtained in correct and incorrect responses. The current density measures recorded over prefrontal areas showed a relationship between the performance and the level of activity in the temporal task only. The level of activity obtained with correct responses was lower than that obtained with incorrect responses. This suggests that a good temporal performance could be the result of an efficacious, but economic, information-processing mechanism in the brain. In addition, the absence of this relation in the anagram task results in the question of whether this relation is specific to the processing of sensory information only.

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