Methodological foundations for locating the neural correlates of low-level visual experience.

A framework is proposed for identifying the neural correlates of a low-level component of visual consciousness called base experience, defined as the spatial arrangement of colors across the visual field. A content-matching method compares the content of base experience with that represented by candidate neural systems, using matches and mismatches as evidence for or against a neural system being the neural basis of base experience. A formal system specifies the content of both experience and neural activity in a common quantitative format for precise comparison. Three matching strategies—region-matching, grain-matching, and representational-matching—are outlined for testing hypotheses about the neural basis of conscious visual content. Applying this method can help adjudicate between competing theories of consciousness.

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Abstract

This article presents a framework for identifying the neural correlates of a low-level component of visual consciousness, base experience, defined as the spatial arrangement of colors experienced across the visual field. We propose a content-matching method that compares the content of base experience with that represented by candidate neural systems, treating content matches and mismatches as evidence for or against a neural system being the neural basis of base experience. To support this method, we introduce a formal system that specifies the content of both base experience and neural activity in a common quantitative format, allowing them to be precisely compared. We then outline three matching strategies-region-matching, grain-matching, and representational-matching-and show how each can be used to test hypotheses about the neural basis of conscious visual content. Finally, we consider how applying this method can help adjudicate between competing theories of consciousness.