Bi-Stable Perception: Self-Coordinating Brain Regions to Make-Up the Mind

Abstract

Bi-stable perception is a strong instance of cognitive self-organization, providing a research model for how ‘the brain makes up its mind.’ The complexity of perceptual bistability prevents a simple attribution of functions to areas, because many cognitive processes, recruiting multiple brain regions, are simultaneously involved. The functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) evidence suggests the activation of a large network of distant brain areas. Concurrently, electroencephalographic and magnetoencephalographic (MEEG) literature shows sub second oscillatory activity and phase synchrony on several frequency bands. Strongly represented are beta and gamma bands, often associated with neural/cognitive integration processes. The spatial extension and short duration of brain activities suggests the need for a fast, large-scale neural coordination mechanism. To address the range of temporo-spatial scales involved, we systematize the current knowledge from mathematical models, cognitive sciences and neuroscience at large, from single-cell- to system-level research, including evidence from human and non-human primates. Surprisingly, despite evidence spanning through different organization levels, models, and experimental approaches, the scarcity of integrative studies is evident. In a final section of the review we dwell on the reasons behind such scarcity and on the need of integration in order to achieve a real understanding of the complexities underlying bi-stable perception processes.

Spontaneous Necker-Cube Reversals are not that Spontaneous

“…the change in dominance (and access to consciousness) of one neural representation by the alternative one in a certain time window, and finally (3) the subsequent processes, related to becoming aware of the reversal event and communicating it with the environment within an experimental paradigm (J. Brascamp et al, 2018; Devia et al, 2022). The EEG provides the necessary temporal resolution in the range of milliseconds to differ between these processing steps.…”

“…These innovative approaches allowed the implementation of “no report paradigms” and helped to separate task-related and perception-related processing steps (e.g., J. Brascamp et al, 2018; J. W. Brascamp et al, 2021; Devia et al, 2022). However, the specific role of the pupil response in the reversal process is discussed controversially (Duman et al, 2022).…”

“…Multistable perception is vividly discussed in the contexts of perception and consciousness (e.g., Crick & Koch, 1998; Blake & Logothetis, 2002; Long & Toppino, 2004; Atmanspacher et al, 2008; J. Brascamp et al, 2018; Devia et al, 2022; Giles et al, 2016), particularly because a separation of sensory processing (which can be kept constant over time) and perceptual processing (which alternates repeatedly) (e.g., Bartels, 2021; Blake et al, 2014; Crick & Koch, 1998; Intaite et al, 2010; Leopold & Logothetis, 1999; Tong et al, 1998) appears to be possible. However, despite a large number of experimental studies, the neural mechanisms underlying spontaneous perceptual reversals are so far poorly understood.…”

“…Brascamp et al, 2018;J. W. Brascamp et al, 2021;Devia et al, 2022). However, the specific role of the pupil response in the reversal process is discussed controversially (Duman et al, 2022).…”

Resting-state functional connectivity predictors of subjective visual Gestalt experience

“…These visual stimuli can be interpreted in two different ways based on the same sensory input. During continuous viewing, subjective perception alternates spontaneously between these mutually exclusive interpretations, a state which is known as perceptual bistability (Sterzer et al 2009; Martínez and Parra 2018; Devia et al 2022). A special type of bistable stimuli, termed ‘asymmetric’ bistable stimuli, is particularly relevant for studying the interpretative processes in perception.…”