Can synchronization explain representational content? : A reply to Caspar M. Schwiedrzik

Abstract

Multivariate decoding provides an important tool for studying the representation and transformation of mental contents in the human brain. Specifically, decoding can be used to identify the neural correlates of contents of consciousness (NCCCs). Decoding of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals has so far mostly revealed content-selectivity in sensory brain regions, but not in prefrontal cortex. The limitations of fMRI-decoding only permit cautious conclusions because fMRI signals are only indirectly related to neural coding. However, the role of prefrontal cortex in visual awareness is also questioned by other findings, reviewed in Schwiedrzik (this collection). Neural synchronization might offer an alternative to solving the binding problem by providing a computational means of integrating information encoded in distributed brain regions. However, it is unclear whether synchronization in itself serves as a coding dimension for visual features. Furthermore, other alternatives to synchronization, especially the role of spatial codes, need to be considered as potential solutions to the feature binding problem.