Spatial prediction modulates the rhythm of attentional sampling

Abstract Recent studies demonstrate that behavioral performance during visual spatial attention fluctuates at theta (4 to 8 Hz) and alpha (8 to 16 Hz) frequencies, linked to phase–amplitude coupling of neural oscillations within the visual and attentional system depending on task demands. To investigate the influence of prior spatial prediction, we employed an adaptive discrimination task with variable cue–target onset asynchronies (300 to 1,300 ms) and different cue validity (100% & 50%). We recorded electroencephalography concurrently and adopted adaptive electroencephalography data analytical methods, namely, Holo–Holo-Hilbert spectral analysis and Holo–Hilbert cross-frequency phase clustering. Our findings indicate that response precision for near-threshold Landolt rings fluctuates at the theta band (4 Hz) under certain predictions and at alpha & beta bands (15 & 19 Hz) with uncertain predictions. Furthermore, spatial prediction strengthens theta–alpha modulations at parietal-occipital areas, frontal theta/parietal-occipital alpha phase–amplitude coupling, and within frontal theta-alpha phase–amplitude coupling. Notably, during the pretarget period, beta-modulated gamma oscillations in parietal-occipital areas predict response precision under uncertain prediction, while frontal theta/parietal-occipital alpha phase–amplitude coupling predicts response precision in spatially certain conditions. In conclusion, our study highlights the critical role of spatial prediction in attentional sampling rhythms with both behavioral and electroencephalography evidence.