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The time course of neural changes underlying auditory perceptual learning
Mercedes Atienza1, Jose L Cantero, Elena Dominguez-Marin
1Laboratory of Sleep and Cognition, Seville 41005, Spain. mercedes_atienza@hms.harvard.edu
Learning & Memory (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.)
|June 21, 2002
Summary
Perceptual learning involves fast and slow neural changes. Auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) reveal distinct time frames for improved auditory discrimination after training.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Auditory Perception
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Perceptual improvements occur during and between training sessions.
- Auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) reflect preattentive processes crucial for perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the time course of perceptual learning.
- To investigate changes in auditory ERPs related to improved auditory discrimination.
Main Methods:
- Subjects trained to discriminate complex auditory patterns in a single session.
- Auditory ERPs recorded pre- and post-training, and at 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours.
- Mismatch negativity (MMN) and P2 components analyzed.
Main Results:
- Mismatch negativity (MMN) emerged post-training, indicating automatic change detection.
- Enhanced P2 at 24 hours correlated with faster reaction times.
- Further MMN enhancement observed at 36 hours.
Conclusions:
- Perceptual gains are linked to distinct neurophysiological events across different time scales.
- Fast and slow neural changes underpin the development of enhanced auditory perception.