An adversarial collaboration protocol for testing contrasting predictions of global neuronal workspace and integrated information theory
Lucia Melloni, Liad Mudrik, Michael Pitts, Katarina Bendtz, Oscar Ferrante, Urszula Górska, Rony Hirschhorn, Aya Khalaf, Csaba Kozma, Alex Lepauvre, Ling Liu, David Mazumder, David Richter, Hao Zhou, Hal Blumenfeld, Melanie Boly, David J. Chalmers, Sasha Devore, Francis T. Fallon, Floris P. de Lange, Ole Jensen, Gabriel Kreiman, Huan Luo, Theofanis I. Panagiotaropoulos, Stanislas Dehaene, Christof Koch, Giulio Tononi
PLoS ONE February 10, 2023 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268577 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAn adversarial collaboration between proponents of Global Neuronal Workspace and Integrated Information Theory devised and preregistered two experiments that test contrasting predictions about the location and timing of correlates of visual consciousness. Six theory-impartial laboratories will follow the study protocol using fMRI, M-EEG, and intracranial EEG, with built-in replications between labs and within datasets. The project aims to provide decisive evidence for or against the two theories and clarify the neural footprints of conscious visual perception, while modeling large-scale, collaborative, and open science practice.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Adversarial collaboration with preregistered experiments Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Consciousness Adversarial system Perception Workspace Cognitive science |
| Citations | 106 |
| Key finding | Two preregistered experiments were designed to test contrasting predictions of Global Neuronal Workspace and Integrated Information Theory regarding the location and timing of correlates of visual consciousness. |
Abstract
The relationship between conscious experience and brain activity has intrigued scientists and philosophers for centuries. In the last decades, several theories have suggested different accounts for these relationships. These theories have developed in parallel, with little to no cross-talk among them. To advance research on consciousness, we established an adversarial collaboration between proponents of two of the major theories in the field, Global Neuronal Workspace and Integrated Information Theory. Together, we devised and preregistered two experiments that test contrasting predictions of these theories concerning the location and timing of correlates of visual consciousness, which have been endorsed by the theories' proponents. Predicted outcomes should either support, refute, or challenge these theories. Six theory-impartial laboratories will follow the study protocol specified here, using three complementary methods: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Magneto-Electroencephalography (M-EEG), and intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG). The study protocol will include built-in replications, both between labs and within datasets. Through this ambitious undertaking, we hope to provide decisive evidence in favor or against the two theories and clarify the footprints of conscious visual perception in the human brain, while also providing an innovative model of large-scale, collaborative, and open science practice.