Project presentation: Predictive coding in the sense of supernatural agency

In this talk I will present my ph.d.-project predictive coding in the sense of supernatural agency. My project utilizes one of the most promising current conceptual frameworks in cognitive science (predictive coding) to explore ‘sense of agency’, which refers to the experience of controlling one’s own actions. Recently, the framework of predictive coding have been applied to the study of ‘sense of agency’, but so far studies have largely been limited to experimental situations consisting of single individuals acting in the world while having access to sensory feedback. My project is an attempt to investigate the intersection between predictive coding and sense of agency in situations that diverge from this prevailing experimental setup. Inspired by a range of religious phenomena, the project is planned to consist of two experimental series examining 1) sense of agency in tightly coupled group action and 2) sense of agency during sensory deprivation. I will be looking forward to all your criticisms, comments and ideas to improve the project.

Marc Nicklas Andersen