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Creating Objects and Object Categories for Studying Perception and Perceptual Learning
Published on: November 2, 2012
Does perceptual learning in speech reflect changes in phonetic category representation or decision bias?
Constance M Clarke-Davidson1, Paul A Luce, James R Sawusch
1University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA. cmclarke@ualberta.ca
Perception & Psychophysics
|June 18, 2008
Summary
Speech perception training can alter how we categorize sounds. This study demonstrates that changes in phonetic category representation, not just decision bias, underlie this perceptual learning in speech.
Area of Science:
- Psycholinguistics
- Auditory Perception
- Speech Science
Background:
- Perceptual boundaries for speech sounds are adaptable with training.
- Previous research suggested phonetic category changes, but decision bias was a potential confound.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether training-induced changes in speech sound categorization reflect true alterations in phonetic category representation.
- To differentiate between changes in representation and decision bias.
Main Methods:
- Replication of Kraljic and Samuel (2005) lexical decision task with ambiguous /s/-/integral/ sounds.
- Inclusion of an AXB discrimination test to assess perceptual changes.
- Experiment 2 utilized a task designed to minimize decision bias.
Main Results:
- Results from both experiments, including signal detection analyses, supported a genuine shift in phonetic category representation.
- Evidence suggests that perceptual learning in speech involves modifications to how sound categories are represented.
Conclusions:
- Training leads to true changes in phonetic category representation, not solely decision bias.
- Perceptual learning in speech is a robust phenomenon affecting underlying representations.
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