Objective A key property of the brain is to anticipate and predict future events. Following the early insights of von Helmoltz more than a hundred years ago, there is now abundant research showing that expectations/predictions play a large role in every aspect of cognitive functioning, from perception to action. However, the role of expectations in determining conscious content is poorly understood. The objective of the present project is to establish the scope of influence of expectations on conscious perception: .Do all expectations affect conscious perception? Or only a subset? What, if any, are the necessary neural accompaniments to effective expectations?To answer these questions, we will employ binocular rivalry, fMRI and MEG to determine the functional and neural boundaries of the influence of expectations on conscious perception.Functionally, we will test whether expectation-inducing stimuli have to be consciously perceived, attended, or accompanied by low-level retinal changes, in order to influence subsequent conscious perception.At a neural level, we will explore the neural changes that accompany expectation-based influences on conscious perception, using both bottom-up (data driven) and top-down (theory-driven) approaches. For the latter, we will explore relations between effective expectations and recurrent processing, causal density, and 'global broadcasting' of neural signals. Our results will integrate two rapidly advancing areas of the cognitive and brain sciences: predictive coding, and consciousness science, shedding important new light on each. Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator THE UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX EU contribution € 209 033,40 Address SUSSEX HOUSE FALMER BN1 9RH Brighton United Kingdom See on map Region South East (England) Surrey, East and West Sussex Brighton and Hove Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Tina Lehmbeck (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data