Crossmodal Links between Vision and Touch in Spatial Attention: A Computational Modelling Study. (14th September 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Magosso, Elisa; Serino, Andrea; di Pellegrino, Giuseppe; Ursino, Mauro
• Other Names: De Vico Fallani Fabrizio Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Computational intelligence and neuroscience. Volume 2010(2010)
• Publication Date: 2009-09-14
• Subjects: Neurosciences -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Computational intelligence -- Periodicals; Computational neuroscience -- Periodicals; 612.80285
• DOI: 10.1155/2010/304941
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-5265

Abstract

Abstract : Many studies have revealed that attention operates across different sensory modalities, to facilitate the selection of relevant information in the multimodal situations of every-day life. Cross-modal links have been observed either when attention is directed voluntarily (endogenous) or involuntarily (exogenous). The neural basis of cross-modal attention presents a significant challenge to cognitive neuroscience. Here, we used a neural network model to elucidate the neural correlates of visual-tactile interactions in exogenous and endogenous attention. The model includes two unimodal (visual and tactile) areas connected with a bimodal area in each hemisphere and a competition between the two hemispheres. The model is able to explain cross-modal facilitation both in exogenous and endogenous attention, ascribing it to an advantaged activation of the bimodal area on the attended side (via a top-down or bottom-up biasing), with concomitant inhibition towards the opposite side. The model suggests that a competitive/cooperative interaction with biased competition may mediate both forms of cross-modal attention.