Saccadic reaction times in gap/overlap paradigms: a model based on integration of intentional and visual information on neural, dynamic fields.

The systematic variations of regular saccadic reaction times induced in gap/overlap paradigms are addressed by a quantitative model. Intentional and visual information are integrated on a retinotopic representation of visual space, on which activity dynamics is related to movement initiation. Using a specific conception of "motor preparation", known effects of general warnings and fixation point on- and offsets are reproduced. Results of new experiments are predicted and the extent to which fixation point offsets are specific to ocular responses is analyzed in the light of the exposed model architecture. Relations of the theoretical framework to neurophysiological findings are discussed.