Directed attention influences optimality of top-down and bottom-up multi-modal perceptual integration.

ABSTRACT: Multimodal sensory integration is a ubiquitous neural process that can be modeled as optimal cue combination, incorporating both top-down, attention-like signals and bottom-up evidence that impact the precision of response variables. Accordingly, reducing attention or adding noise to one modality is expected to decrease proportionally its contribution while increasing that of the other modality. We tested this prediction using a gender-comparison task employing stimuli for which the face and voice were independently morphed between average male and female exemplars. Top-down influences were manipulated by having observers judge the stimuli with respect to either one or both modalities. Bottom-up influences were manipulated by introducing independent and varying amounts of visual and audito

SUBMITTER: Abbatecola C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12267639 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature