An information theory account of cognitive control

Abstract

Our ability to efficiently process information and generate appropriate responses depends on the processes collectively called cognitive control. Despite a considerable focus in the literature on the cognitive control of information processing, neural mechanisms underlying control are still unclear, and have not been characterized by considering the quantity of information to be processed. A novel and comprehensive account of cognitive control is proposed using concepts from information theory, which is concerned with communication system analysis and the quantification of information. This account treats the brain as an information-processing entity where cognitive control and its underlying brain networks play a pivotal role in dealing with conditions of uncertainty. This hypothesis and theory article justifies the validity and properties of such an account and relates experimental findings to the frontoparietal network under the framework of information theory.

Keywords: cognitive control; entropy; frontoparietal network; information theory; uncertainty.

Figure 1

Information entropy H as a function of the probability p in the case of two possible events.

Figure 2

The majority function task and reaction time as a function of information entropy. (A) In this task, arrows with set sizes of 1, 3, or 5 are randomly presented at 8 possible locations arranged in an octagon centered on a fixation cross. The arrows point either left or right, and are presented simultaneously. The participants' task is to indicate the direction in which the majority of arrows point. For example, if three arrows are presented, and two point to the left and one to the right (see the “2:1” panel in the “Set size 3” column), the correct response should be “left.” The eight circles illustrate the locations and are not displayed during the experiment. The label for each of the 6 conditions is the ratio of the numbers in each category. (B) Reaction time (RT) as a function of information entropy (estimated based on a group search strategy).

Figure 3

The frontoparietal network and the pivotal role of the ACC in information processing and response across domains. ACC, anterior cingulate cortex; AI, anterior insular cortex; BG, basal ganglia structures; PFC, prefrontal cortex; IPS, areas near and along the intraparietal sulcus.

Figure 4

Brain activation as a function of information uncertainty. (A) Activation (in red) and deactivation (in blue) as a function of uncertainty (in bits). (B) Plot of beta value as a function of uncertainty. (C) Hemodynamic response as a function of uncertainty. TR = 2.5 s.

Figure 5

Cognitive control implemented via attentional functions of alerting, orienting, and executive control.