In one of the experiments conducted by Bushnell et al. (1981), the activity of single PPC neurons was recorded as a monkey performed four different types of tasks involving an eye or hand movement and the direction of the monkey's attention. In the saccade task, it was found that the:
A) PPC neuron never increased its firing rate above baseline.
B) PPC neuron's firing rate decreased with the shift of attention, as the monkey waited for the stimulus to dim.
C) PPC neuron continued to fire at its baseline rate throughout the task.
D) PPC neuron's firing rate increased soon after the stimulus appeared, with the shift of attention, even before the eye movement occurred.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is based on the finding that PPC neurons increase their firing rate in response to stimuli that attract attention, even before an actual movement (like a saccade) is made. This demonstrates the role of PPC neurons in both attention and the planning of movements.

In One of the Experiments Conducted by Bushnell Et Al