Objective
Classic models of visual perception pose that the ultimate goal of vision is object recognition. Recent
research suggests that visual perception is more sophisticated, representing the objects as well as the
relations holding between them. Relational representations are a major research focus in cognitive
science, as they play a central role in human reasoning, language and social life. Yet, how they come
about in the human mind/brain remains largely unknown. In ViSyRelPer, I study the role of the visual
system in encoding relations, under the hypothesis that perception realizes the early stages of relational
representation. I focus on two categories of relations: causal and social-interact. First, I use frequency-
tagging electroencephalography (FTEEG) to measure the automatic neural response of the visual system
to visual stimulation, and study whether: a) such response is evoked during observation of relational
events (e.g. for causal relation: collision events) and b) generalizes to different instantiations of the same
relation (e.g. for causal relation: launching and pulling events). Generalization would imply that the visual
response reflects the representation of a relation, above and beyond the specific objects involved.
Second, I use transcranial magnetic stimulation to interfere with activity in visuoperceptual brain areas
while participants perform judgments on relational events. This study proves a causal role of visual areas
in relation processing, thus substantiating the hypothesis of relation perception. Third, I use the above
FTEEG approach to study perception of social and causal relations in individuals with autism spectrum
disorder. I will investigate whether alterations in the visuoperceptual stages of relation representation
could be a marker of difficulties in the disorder, as raised in latest research. This program will offer new
avenues to discover the perceptual groundings of relational thinking underlying the complexity of human cognition.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
75794 PARIS
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.