PREDICTIVE PROCESSING ACROSS SENSORY MODALITIES (SMITHF_U23PSY)

It is often assumed that early sensory brain regions passively register the sensory input present in the world. However Predictive Processing theories assert that a major function of these regions is to use contextual information to create predictions of upcoming input. For instance, when seeing an apple, our tactile, gustatory and auditory cortices will make predictions about what it would feel like to touch, to taste and the associated sound. This project will use behavioural and neuroimaging techniques (fMRI and oscillatory-based EEG) to investigate how cross-sensory context influences processing in early sensory areas, focusing on links between the visual/auditory and tactile modalities (see e.g. Smith & Goodale, 2015, Cerebral Cortex; Bailey … Smith, 2022 Cerebral Cortex). Brain Decoding (MVPA) techniques will be used to depict the content of the representations present in early sensory areas as a function of high-level contextual manipulations (e.g. Smith & Muckli, 2010, PNAS). There is also the possibility of conducting ultra-high field fMRI at 7T and/or deep neural network modelling as part of the project. The results of these studies will have significant implications both for our basic understanding of how the brain processes sensory information and for a range of populations where Predictive Processing is thought to be impaired (e.g. Autism, Psychosis).

A background in psychology or neuroscience is desired (at Masters level). Familiarity with experimental paradigms in cognitive psychology, psychophysics or brain imaging would be an advantage

When applying for this project, please select that you are applying with your own research proposal, selecting Psychology as the subject area and including the project title within the 'Research Title and Summary' section of the application. If you have any questions about the application process, please email us.