Neural Mechanisms That Hide Individual Behavioral Differences: Evidence from Psychophysics and Neuroscience

摘要: In both theory and practice, individual behavioral differences can reveal details of underlying neural mechanisms, this has been widely exploited in experimental psychology. However, under some circumstances, are conspicuous by their absence. Three illuminating examples treated theoretical review: (1) color vision, there is a surprising lack variation red–green opponency, especially as studied using unique hues, given the huge L:M-cone ratios normal observers. (2) Conversely, achromatic be measuring spectral sensitivity (luminance efficiency) functions. contrary to reasonable expectations, parvo magno mechanisms give rise indistinguishable functions, so variations activation often cannot via sensitivity. (3) Similar convergences occur neuroscience: simulated actual neuronal networks electrophysiological/functional imaging studies intact animals/humans. Neuronal systems trained or developed do same tasks need not wind up with wiring exact behavior. behaviors become functionally similar. Markedly different somehow yield similar behaviors, result found motor crustaceans sensory humans. Theoretically, from combinations, response convergence which limits our ability infer origins perceptual channels. When expected manifest, clue that something interesting happening goad further investigation.