Categorization training results in shape- and category-selective human neural plasticity.

ABSTRACT: Object category learning is a fundamental ability, requiring the combination of "bottom-up" stimulus-driven with "top-down" task-specific information. It therefore may be a fruitful domain for study of the general neural mechanisms underlying cortical plasticity. A simple model predicts that category learning involves the formation of a task-independent shape-selective representation that provides input to circuits learning the categorization task, with the computationally appealing prediction of facilitated learning of additional, novel tasks over the same stimuli. Using fMRI rapid-adaptation techniques, we find that categorization training (on morphed "cars") induced a significant release from adaptation for small shape changes in lateral occipital cortex irrespective of category members

SUBMITTER: Jiang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1989663 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature