This item is under embargo and not available online per the author's request. For access information, please visit http://digital.wustl.edu/publish/etd-search.html.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2011

Abstract

Predicting the near future is important for survival and plays a central role in theories of perception, language processing, and learning. Prediction failures may be particularly important for initiating the updating of perceptual and memory systems and, thus, for the subjective experience of events. Here, we asked observers to make predictions about what would happen 5 sec later in a movie of an everyday activity. Those points where prediction was more difficult corresponded with subjective boundaries in the stream of experience. At points of unpredictability, midbrain and striatal regions associated with the phasic release of the neurotransmitter dopamine transiently increased in activity. This activity could provide a global updating signal, cuing other brain systems that a significant new event has begun.

Comments

© 2011 Massachusetts Institute of Technology. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1162/jocn_a_00078

Embargo Period

1-1-4400

Available for download on Saturday, January 01, 4400

Share

COinS