Neural Basis of a Perceptual Decision in the Parietal Cortex (Area LIP) of the Rhesus Monkey

• DOI: 10.1152/jn.2001.86.4.1916
• Publication Date: 2017-12-21T11:50:23Z
• Authors: Michael N. Shadlen; William T. Newsome
• Keywords: Extrastriate cortex; Stimulus (psychology); Temporal cortex

We recorded the activity of single neurons in posterior parietal cortex (area LIP) two rhesus monkeys while they discriminated direction motion random-dot visual stimuli. The task was similar to a discrimination that has been used previous investigations motion-sensitive regions extrastriate cortex. were trained decide whether toward one choice targets appeared on either side stimulus. At end trial, reported their judgment by making an eye movement appropriate target. studied LIP exhibited spatially selective persistent during delayed saccadic tasks. These are thought carry high-level signals for identifying salient and guiding movements. arranged so neuron's response field (RF) other target positioned well away from RF. During viewing, altered firing rate manner predicted monkey would make at trial. thus monkey's direction. This predictive began early motion-viewing period became increasingly reliable as viewed motion. neural both easy difficult trials (strong weak motion), or not correct. In addition, timing magnitude affected strength signal When RF, stronger led larger responses earlier period. greater suppression ongoing activity. Thus area reflects impending gaze shift quality sensory information instructs such response. time course suggests accumulates relevant selection movement.