Serial dependencies for externally and self-generated stimuli.

Abstract

Our senses are constantly exposed to external stimulation. Part of the sensory stimulation is produced by our own movement, like visual motion on the retina or tactile sensations from touch. Sensations caused by our movements appear attenuated. The interpretation of current stimuli is influenced by previous experiences, known as serial dependencies. Here we investigated how sensory attenuation and serial dependencies interact. In Experiment 1, we showed that temporal predictability causes sensory attenuation. In Experiment 2, we isolated temporal predictability in a visuospatial localization task. Attenuated stimuli are influenced by serial dependencies. However, the magnitude of the serial dependence effects varies, with greater effects when the certainty of the previous trial is equal to or greater than the current one. Experiment 3 examined sensory attenuation's influence on serial dependencies. Participants localized a briefly flashed stimulus after pressing a button (self-generated) or without pressing a button (externally generated). Stronger serial dependencies occurred in self-generated trials compared to externally generated ones when presented alternately but not when presented in blocks. We conclude that the relative uncertainty in stimulation between trials determines serial dependency strengths.