Prior probability cues bias sensory encoding with increasing task exposure

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.91135
• Publication Date: 2023-11-14T11:20:29Z
• Authors: Kevin Walsh; David P McGovern; Jessica Dully; Simon P Kelly; Redmond G O'Connell
• Keywords: Sensory cue

When observers have prior knowledge about the likely outcome of their perceptual decisions, they exhibit robust behavioural biases in reaction time and choice accuracy. Computational modelling typically attributes these effects to strategic adjustments criterion amount evidence required commit a alternative - usually implemented by starting point shift but recent work suggests that expectations may also fundamentally bias encoding sensory itself. Here, we recorded neural activity with EEG while participants performed contrast discrimination task valid, invalid, or neutral probabilistic cues across multiple testing sessions. We measured via contrast-dependent steady-state visual-evoked potentials (SSVEP), read-out was provided effector-selective mu-beta band over motor cortex. In keeping recording studies, evoked substantial preparation consistent adjustments, additionally found produced significant modulation SSVEP during presentation. While were observed earliest trials, sensory-level only emerged extended exposure. Our results suggest that, addition decision process, information can induce subtle