Neural Network Modelling of Inhibition in Visuo-Motor Control

Masked priming experiments have shown that perceptuo-motor linkages can be made below the threshold of conscious experience. Notable amongst these experiments is work by Eimer and Schlaghecken that has shown that negative compatibility effects can be obtained, whereby behavioural costs are incurred when prime and target are compatible. Negative compatibility is suggestive of inhibitory mechanisms; a theory that is supported by lateralized readiness recordings of motor cortex activation. This paper develops a neural network model of masked priming that yields such negative compatibility. The key mechanisms that facilitate this outcome are (lateral inhibition based) competition between response alternatives and (opponent processing based) threshold gated direct response suppression. The main result of our model is the generation of response readiness profiles commensurate with the lateralized readiness potentials recorded from humans.