The neural processes underlying self-agency

Self-agency (SA) is the individual's perception that an action is the consequence of his/her own intention. The neural networks underlying SA are not well understood. We carried out a novel, ecologically valid, virtual-reality experiment using blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic re...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cerebral cortex (New York, N.Y. 1991) N.Y. 1991), 2011-01, Vol.21 (1), p.48-55
Main Authors: Nahab, Fatta B, Kundu, Prantik, Gallea, Cecile, Kakareka, John, Pursley, Randy, Pohida, Tom, Miletta, Nathaniel, Friedman, Jason, Hallett, Mark
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Cerebral Cortex - anatomy & histology
Cerebral Cortex - physiology
Cognition - physiology
Executive Function - physiology
Female
Humans
Male
Nerve Net - physiology
Personal Autonomy
Volition - physiology
Young Adult
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Summary:Self-agency (SA) is the individual's perception that an action is the consequence of his/her own intention. The neural networks underlying SA are not well understood. We carried out a novel, ecologically valid, virtual-reality experiment using blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) where SA could be modulated in real-time while subjects performed voluntary finger movements. Behavioral testing was also performed to assess the explicit judgment of SA. Twenty healthy volunteers completed the experiment. Results of the behavioral testing demonstrated paradigm validity along with the identification of a bias that led subjects to over- or underestimate the amount of control they had. The fMRI experiment identified 2 discrete networks. These leading and lagging networks likely represent a spatial and temporal flow of information, with the leading network serving the role of mismatch detection and the lagging network receiving this information and mediating its elevation to conscious awareness, giving rise to SA.
ISSN:1047-3211
1460-2199
DOI:10.1093/cercor/bhq059