Attention Schema-Modulated Binding Theory: A Single Falsifiable Criterion for Access Consciousness

Background: The persistence of consciousness across continuous molecular turnover ofneural tissue requires substrate-independent computational accounts that specify whenconsciousness occurs and provide decisive falsification criteria. Current theories face criticallimitations: Integrated Information Theory has been declared "pseudoscience" by 124+researchers due to unfalsifiability, while Global Neuronal Workspace Theory showed mixedempirical results in recent adversarial collaborations.Framework: We propose Attention Schema-Modulated Binding (AS-MB) theory, which reducesaccess consciousness to a single testable criterion: consciousness arises when an attentionschema controller elevates precision weights for hierarchical prediction-error units, creatingbinding coherence across cortical scales that exceeds threshold θ for ≥τ ms. Formally: C* = 1iff [Bc(t→t+τ; local, global) > θ] ∧ [π driven by valid AS].Innovation: AS-MB provides (1) a single falsifiable criterion integrating multiple complexmechanisms, (2) specific neuroanatomical predictions targeting right TPJ as critical hub withindistributed attention schema networks, (3) decisive falsification criteria based on bindingcoherence measurements, and (4) a staged validation pipeline addressing operationalizationchallenges.Predictions: Three distinguishing predictions enable definitive theory testing: (1) TMS toattention schema hubs reduces binding coherence through precision modulation more thanadjacent cortex stimulation, (2) attention schema activity leads recurrent processing by50-100ms with lead magnitude correlating with resulting binding coherence, and (3) highbinding coherence without schema control yields unconscious processing while high schemacontrol without coherence yields fragmented awareness.Significance: AS-MB addresses the falsifiability crisis in consciousness research by providingdecisive refutation criteria while maintaining mechanistic specificity. The framework offersimmediate applications for consciousness assessment and establishes methodologicalstandards for theory development in post-IIT consciousness science.Keywords: consciousness, attention schema, binding coherence, predictive processing,falsifiability, precision weighting