Abstract
Preparatory modulations of cortical α-band oscillations are a reliable index of the voluntary allocation of covert spatial attention. It is currently unclear whether attentional cues containing information about a target’s identity (such as its visual orientation), in addition to its location, might additionally shape preparatory α modulations. Here, we explore this question by directly comparing spatial and feature-based attention in the same visual detection task while recording brain activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG). At the behavioral level, preparatory feature-based and spatial attention cues both improved performance and did so independently of each other. Using MEG, we replicated robust α lateralization following spatial cues: in preparation for a visual target, α power decreased contralaterally and increased ipsilaterally to the attended location. Critically, however, preparatory α lateralization was not significantly modulated by predictions regarding target identity, as carried via the behaviorally effective feature-based attention cues. Furthermore, non-lateralized α power during the cue-target interval did not differentiate between uninformative cues and cues carrying feature-based predictions either. Based on these results we propose that preparatory α modulations play a role in the gating of information between spatially segregated cortical regions and are therefore particularly well suited for spatial gating of information. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present work clarifies if and how human brain oscillations in the α-band support multiple types of anticipatory attention. Using magnetoencephalography, we show that posterior α-band oscillations are modulated by predictions regarding the spatial location of an upcoming visual target, but not by feature-based predictions regarding its identity, despite robust behavioral benefits. This provides novel insights into the functional role of preparatory α mechanisms and suggests a limited specificity with which they may operate.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1385-1394 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of neurophysiology |
Volume | 117 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 14 Mar 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
Funding
This research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre based at Oxford University Hospitals National Health Services Foundation Trust Oxford University, a Medical Research Council United Kingdom Magnetoencephalography Partnership Grant (MR/K005464/1), a Wellcome Trust Senior Investigator Award (104571/14/z), a James S. McDonnell Foundation Understanding Human Cognition Collaborative Award (220020448), a Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship (098771/Z/12/Z), and the Economic and Social Research Council (ES/J500112/1).
Funders | Funder number |
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James S. McDonnell Foundation | 220020448, 098771/Z/12/Z |
James S. McDonnell Foundation | |
Wellcome Trust | 104571/14/z |
Wellcome Trust | |
Medical Research Council | MR/K005464/1 |
Medical Research Council | |
Economic and Social Research Council | ES/J500112/1 |
Economic and Social Research Council | |
National Institute for Health Research |
Keywords
- Feature-based attention
- Magnetoencephalography
- Spatial attention
- α lateralization