The brain uses adaptive internal models of scene statistics for sensorimotor estimation and planning.

ABSTRACT: Because of uncertainty and noise, the brain should use accurate internal models of the statistics of objects in scenes to interpret sensory signals. Moreover, the brain should adapt its internal models to the statistics within local stimulus contexts. Consider the problem of hitting a baseball. The impoverished nature of the visual information available makes it imperative that batters use knowledge of the temporal statistics and history of previous pitches to accurately estimate pitch speed. Using a laboratory analog of hitting a baseball, we tested the hypothesis that the brain uses adaptive internal models of the statistics of object speeds to plan hand movements to intercept moving objects. We fit Bayesian observer models to subjects' performance to estimate the statistical environment

SUBMITTER: Kwon OS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3600457 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature