The influence of local cortical oscillations and distributed connectivity networks on multisensory perception

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We permanently monitor and integrate information from our surroundings that reaches us through our sensory systems. A number of empirical findings from recent years provided evidence how cortical activity in one sensory area affects stimulus processing in another sensory cortical area. Moreover, a number of findings suggest an influence of the functional cortical state on upcoming perception. Recent electrophysiological studies have provided evidence that ongoing oscillations and neural connectivity in cortical networks play an important role in the integration and conscious perception of multisensory stimuli. However, only few studies have analyzed neural connectivity and information flow within cortical networks in the context of multisensory stimulus processing. Moreover, there are only few studies, which have specifically influenced local cortical activity and neural connectivity by cognitive processes. Now, the main objective of the current proposal is to investigate how ongoing oscillations, neural connectivity and the information flow within cortical networks influences the integration and perception of upcoming multisensory stimuli. A particular focus is set on the influence of attention and expectations on cortical processes and conscious perception. Therefore, the current project is aimed at two complementary research questions: 1) What is the role of ongoing oscillations and information flow within cortical networks for the processing and perception of upcoming multisensory stimuli? And 2) In which way influence cognitive processes such as attention and expectations this processing? These questions will be addressed in a number of human experiments, in which experimental audiovisual illusion paradigms will be used. The proposed experiments comprise electroencephalography and electrocorticography in combination with state-of-the-art source analysis approaches. The results of the current project will extend our understanding of how ongoing oscillations in cortical networks influence the perception and integration of sensory stimuli across different sensory modalities and on which level cognitive processes play a role therein.