title: An Electrophysiological Index of Perceptual Goodness.
abstract: A traditional line of work starting with the Gestalt school has shown that patterns vary in strength and salience; a difference in "Perceptual goodness." The Holographic weight of evidence model quantifies goodness of visual regularities. The key formula states that W = E/N, where E is number of holographic identities in a pattern and N is number of elements. We tested whether W predicts the amplitude of the neural response to regularity in an extrastriate symmetry-sensitive network. We recorded an Event Related Potential (ERP) generated by symmetry called the Sustained Posterior Negativity (SPN). First, we reanalyzed the published work and found that W explained most variance in SPN amplitude. Then in four new studies, we confirmed specific predictions of the holographic model regarding 1) the differential effects of numerosity on reflection and repetition, 2) the similarity between reflection and Glass patterns, 3) multiple symmetries, and 4) symmetry and anti-symmetry. In all cases, the holographic approach predicted SPN amplitude remarkably well; particularly in an early window around 300-400 ms post stimulus onset. Although the holographic model was not conceived as a model of neural processing, it captures many details of the brain response to symmetry.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK alexis.makin@liverpool.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Alexis D J
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Makin
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK.
authors.forename: Damien
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.affiliation: Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park, Liverpool, L16 9JD, UK.
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rampone
authors.affiliation: Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park, Liverpool, L16 9JD, UK.
authors.forename: Letizia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Palumbo
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guest
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK.
authors.forename: Rhiannon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sheehan
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cleaver
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bertamini
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011601:Psychophysics; D011930:Reaction Time; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: ERPs; extrastriate cortex; holographic model; sustained posterior negativity; symmetry