Egocentric Biases are Determined by the Precision of Self-related Predictions.

According to predictive processing theories, emotional inference involves simultaneously minimising discrepancies between predictions and sensory data relating to both ones own and others states, achievable by altering either ones own state (empathy) or perception of anothers state (egocentric bias) so they are more congruent. We tested a key hypothesis of these accounts, that predictions are weighted in inference according to their precision (inverse variance). If correct, more precise self-related predictions should bias perception of anothers emotional expression to a greater extent than less precise predictions. We manipulated predictions about upcoming own-pain (low or high magnitude) using cues that afforded either precise (a narrow range of possible magnitudes) or imprecise (a wide range) predictions. Participants judged pained facial expressions presented concurrently with own-pain to be more intense when own-pain was greater, and precise cues increased this biasing effect. Implications of conceptualising interpersonal influence in terms of predictive processing are discussed.