Neural mechanisms of human perceptual learning: electrophysiological evidence for a two-stage process.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Humans and other animals change the way they perceive the world due to experience. This process has been labeled as perceptual learning, and implies that adult nervous systems can adaptively modify the way in which they process sensory stimulation. However, the mechanisms by which the brain modifies this capacity have not been sufficiently analyzed.

Methodology/principal findings

We studied the neural mechanisms of human perceptual learning by combining electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings of brain activity and the assessment of psychophysical performance during training in a visual search task. All participants improved their perceptual performance as reflected by an increase in sensitivity (d') and a decrease in reaction time. The EEG signal was acquired thr

SUBMITTER: Hamame CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3082555 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature