The mechanism and functions of consciousness, visual attention and perceptual decision-making

I am interested in using neuroimaging (fMRI, EEG, MEG), psychophysics and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to test cognitive models of how we become consciously aware of visual stimuli. Some of these models are driven by computational principles, such as how the brain optimally deals with signals and noise in a Bayesian ( i.e. probabilistic) fashion. The models are also informed by empirical research that focuses on the functions of consciousness. My previous findings have led me to think that consciousness does not have too many special functions, in the sense that many tasks that seem to require consciousness could actually also be performed unconsciously, if the suitable conditions are obtained. This has led to the view that consciousness should not be treated as a superior form of information processing; it is just 'different' from unconscious processing. Our goal then, is to pin down these differences.

I am also interested in how conscious perception interacts with and relates to other higher-cognitive functions such as attention, uncertainty reporting and other metacognitive processes.

Lau HC (in press) A Higher-Order Bayesian Decision Theory of Perceptual Consciousness. Progress in Brain Research

Lau HC, Passingham RE (2006) Relative Blindsight in Normal Observers and the Neural Correlate of Visual Consciousness Proceedings of the National Academy of Science

Lau HC, Passingham RE (2007) Unconscious Activation of the Cognitive Control System in the Human Prefrontal Cortex Journal of Neuroscience

Lau HC, Rogers RD, Passingham RE (2007) Manipulating the Experienced Onset of Intention after Action Execution Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience

Lau HC, Rogers RD, Haggard P, Passingham RE (2004) Attention to Intention Science

PSYC W2225 Attention and Perception

PSYC G4225 Consciousness and Attention (seminar)