Event Details:
Abstract: Human visual perception makes use of prior information that is not sensory. We can use prior knowledge of a location where a visual event is likely to occur to improve our detection or discrimination ability. When sensory inputs are ambiguous or noisy, we can disambiguate interpretations of visual input using prior knowledge of which interpretations are more likely. Our lab is interested in understanding the cortical mechanisms and computations that subserve our ability to use prior knowledge to improve visual perception. To do so, we isolate phenomenon in which we can demonstrate behaviorally that prior information affects visual perception and then make measurements of cortical activity with functional imaging in humans. We aim to link, typically using different computational models of potential cortical computations, the activity we measure in cortex to the perceptions we measure behaviorally. By understanding the computations that allow prior information to change and augment visual processing we hope to gain general insight into how the brain integrates priors and evidence to make inferences about the world.
There will be plenty of time for Q&A and interaction. Dinner will be provided at 6:30pm. The seminar will be held in Sloan Hall, Math Bldg 380, Room 380-C, lower level courtyard side, followed by dinner in the courtyard outside of Jordan Hall, Bldg 420, Room 050.
*Please RSVP for the Monday, February 9 Dinner to lehope@stanford.edu by Tuesday, February 3 (Feel free to do it now!)*