Unexpected events

Figure 1: Three Kinds of Unexpected Events

Left: action error (self-produced unexpected event). Middle: unexpected action outcome (unexpected event produced by the interaction between self and environment). Right: unexpected perceptual event (unexpected event produced in the environment).

Three panel figure. In the first panel, labeled "Action Error", there is a view of a driver and dashboard, with rear view mirror and dashboard displays highlighted green. A red circle highlights the driver's hand. Text pointing to the highlighting reads: "The driver reaches for volume control, and bumps the blinker control in the process." In the second panel, labeled "Unexpected Action Outcome", the same view of the driver and dashboard. A warning light is shown on the driver's display, as is a red question mark above their head and two red arrows indicating the driver is turning the steering wheel. Text pointing to the driver's hands reads, "The driver turns the steering wheel, and an unexpected warning appears." In the third panel, labeled "Unexpected Perceptual Event", the same view of driver and dashboard. Through the windshield, the silhouette of a deer is highlighted in red, and a red exclamation point can be seen above the driver's head. Text pointing to the deer reads, "The driver is thinking of the route ahead, when suddenly a deer appears in their field of vision."

Appeared in:
Wessel, JR and Aron, AR (2017). On the Globality of Motor Suppression: Unexpected Events and Their Influence on Behavior and Cognition. Neuron 93, 259-280.

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