Behavioral criteria of feedforward processing in rapid-chase theory: Some formal considerations

Version history v1: Initial upload v2: Added arXiv identification header v3: Several minor changes throughout text, an updated reference, and new typeset. Overhauled section 4. Abstract The rapid-chase theory of response priming defines a set of behavioral criteria that indicate feedforward processing of visual stimulus features rather than recurrent processing. These feedforward criteria are strong predictions from a feedforward model that argues that sequentially presented prime and target stimuli lead to strictly sequential waves of visuomotor processing that can still be traced in continuous motor output; for instance, in pointing movements, muscle forces, or EEG readiness potentials. The feedforward criteria make it possible to evaluate whether some continuous motor output is consistent with feedforward processing, even though the neuronal processes themselves are not readily observable. This paper is intended as an auxiliary resource that states the criteria with some degree of formal precision.