Crossmodal Links between Vision and Touch in Spatial Attention : A Computational Modelling Study

Abstract EN

Many studies have revealed that attention operates across different sensory modalities, to facilitate the selection of relevant information in the multimodal situations of every-day life.

Cross-modal links have been observed either when attention is directed voluntarily (endogenous) or involuntarily (exogenous).

The neural basis of cross-modal attention presents a significant challenge to cognitive neuroscience.

Here, we used a neural network model to elucidate the neural correlates of visual-tactile interactions in exogenous and endogenous attention.

The model includes two unimodal (visual and tactile) areas connected with a bimodal area in each hemisphere and a competition between the two hemispheres.

The model is able to explain cross-modal facilitation both in exogenous and endogenous attention, ascribing it to an advantaged activation of the bimodal area on the attended side (via a top-down or bottom-up biasing), with concomitant inhibition towards the opposite side.

The model suggests that a competitive/cooperative interaction with biased competition may mediate both forms of cross-modal attention.