Lower multisensory temporal acuity in individuals with high schizotypal traits: a web-based study

Abstract

Natural events are often multisensory, requiring the brain to combine information from the same spatial location and timing, across different senses. The importance of temporal coincidence has led to the introduction of the temporal binding window (TBW) construct, defined as the time range within which multisensory inputs are highly likely to be perceptually bound into a single entity. Anomalies in TBWs have been linked to confused perceptual experiences and inaccurate filtering of sensory inputs coming from different environmental sources. Indeed, larger TBWs have been associated with disorders such as schizophrenia and autism and are also correlated to a higher level of subclinical traits of these conditions in the general population. Here, we tested the feasibility of using a web-based version of a classic audio-visual simultaneity judgment (SJ) task with simple flash-beep stimuli in order to measure multisensory temporal acuity and its relationship with schizotypal traits as measured in the general population. Results show that: (i) the response distribution obtained in the web-based SJ task was strongly similar to those reported by studies carried out in controlled laboratory settings, and (ii) lower multisensory temporal acuity was associated with higher schizotypal traits in the “cognitive-perceptual” domains. Our findings reveal the possibility of adequately using a web-based audio-visual SJ task outside a controlled laboratory setting, available to a more diverse and representative pool of participants. These results provide additional evidence for a close relationship between lower multisensory acuity and the expression of schizotypal traits in the general population.

The best fitting of three contemporary observer models reveals how participants’ strategy influences the window of subjective synchrony.

“…These findings regarding the important role that decision criteria play stand in contrast to the widespread interpretation of simultaneity-function width as an unambiguous measure of the precision of multisensory integration (e.g., Chen et al, 2017; Foucher et al, 2007; Habets et al, 2017; Hillock et al, 2011; Lee & Noppeney, 2011; Marsicano et al, 2022; Navarra & Fernández-Prieto, 2020; Noel et al, 2017; Scarpina et al, 2016; Stevenson et al, 2014; Zampini et al, 2005). We have already indicated how our results show that simultaneity-function width in uninstructed baseline conditions is not a measure of a hard sensory threshold, if indeed one exists.…”

“…By way of example, in recent years it has become fashionable to measure “temporal binding windows” using just the SJ task, and interpret differences between groups or conditions as indicative of differences in the temporal sensitivity of integration processes (e.g., Chen et al, 2017; Foucher et al, 2007; Habets et al, 2017; Hillock et al, 2011; Lee & Noppeney, 2011; Marsicano et al, 2022; Navarra & Fernández-Prieto, 2020; Noel et al, 2017; Scarpina et al, 2016; Stevenson et al, 2014; Zampini et al, 2005). While of considerable interest, we believe that much of this work does not include sufficiently explicit caveats about the processes that might generate the window of simultaneity, potentially misrepresenting the underlying cause(s) of differences between conditions/groups.…”

Meta-analysis on the efficacy of the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors reboxetine and atomoxetine for the treatment of schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

“…[32][33][34][35][36] Studies suggest that fear conditioning, changes in the immune system and metabolic changes are also responsible for the development of these neurological disorders. [37][38][39][40] Therefore, these disorders need to be detected in a timely manner using various neuroimaging modalities [41][42][43][44] and should be treated using available strategies such as behavioral therapy, family therapy or with anti-psychotic medications. 45,46 Indeed, NRIs are widely applied in the treatment of mental disorders.…”

Olfactory–gustatory simultaneity judgments: A preliminary study on the congruency‐dependent temporal window of multisensory binding

“…For example, SJ tasks use an index calculated based on the temporal distribution of the simultaneous response rate (usually a bell‐shaped Gaussian curve). Indexes include: (1) the interval between the two SOA values corresponding to a 75% simultaneous response rate (Marsicano et al., 2022 ; Venskus et al., 2021 ; Zerr et al., 2019 ); (2) the interval between the SOA value corresponding to the point of subjective simultaneity and the SOA value corresponding to a 75% simultaneous response rate (just noticeable difference, JND) (Christie et al., 2019 ; Li et al., 2021 ); (3) half of the interval between the two SOA values corresponding to a 50% simultaneous response rate ( δ ) (Chen et al., 2018 , 2021 ); (4) the standard deviation of the distribution (SD or σ ) (Yarrow et al., 2016 ; Zampini et al., 2005 ); (5) the interval between the two SOA values corresponding to 50% of the maximum rate (full width at half height, FWHH) (Alm & Behne, 2014 ; Roseboom & Arnold, 2011 ; Roseboom et al., 2009 ); and (6) half of the interval between the two SOA values corresponding to 50% of the maximum rate (half width at half height, HWHH) (Fujisaki & Nishida, 2009 ). The larger these values, the larger the TBW, resulting in a lower temporal resolution of synchrony perception.…”