Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
13:51
Cross-Modal Multivariate Pattern Analysis
Published on: November 9, 2011
Neural correlates of multisensory perceptual learning
Albert R Powers1, Matthew A Hevey, Mark T Wallace
1Neuroscience Graduate Program, Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA. albert.powers@vanderbilt.edu
Summary
Perceptual training narrows the audiovisual integration window, enhancing multisensory temporal binding. This study reveals neural changes in auditory and visual cortices supporting this plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Sensory Integration
Background:
- Auditory and visual stimuli integration relies on temporal structure.
- A temporal window of audiovisual integration exists, but its malleability is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the neural substrates of training-induced changes in the audiovisual temporal binding window.
- Determine if perceptual training alters brain activity and connectivity related to multisensory integration.
Main Methods:
- Eleven human subjects underwent audiovisual simultaneity judgment training.
- Event-related fMRI and connectivity analyses were performed before and after training.
Main Results:
- Training led to decreased BOLD signals in the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) and auditory/visual cortices.
- Increased resting-state and effective connectivity were observed among these multisensory cortices post-training.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide the first neural evidence for plasticity in multisensory temporal binding.
- Changes in pSTS and associated cortices likely underlie the narrowed audiovisual temporal binding window.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Sensory Perception: Organization of the Somatosensory System
The somatosensory system is the central and peripheral nervous system component that senses and processes touch, pressure, pain, temperature, and body position or proprioception. The process of sensation takes place at three levels:
The receptor level:
The receptor level is the first stage of sensation. It involves the detection of a stimulus by specialized sensory receptors. The stimulus must arrive within the receptor's receptive field. Next, the receptor converts the energy of the stimulus...
The receptor level:
The receptor level is the first stage of sensation. It involves the detection of a stimulus by specialized sensory receptors. The stimulus must arrive within the receptor's receptive field. Next, the receptor converts the energy of the stimulus...
01:20Parallel Processing
The brain processes sensory information rapidly due to parallel processing, which involves sending data across multiple neural pathways at the same time. This method allows the brain to manage various sensory qualities, such as shapes, colors, movements, and locations, all concurrently. For instance, when observing a forest landscape, the brain simultaneously processes the movement of leaves, the shapes of trees, the depth between them, and the various shades of green. This enables a quick and...
01:27Associative Learning
Associative learning is a fundamental concept in behavioral psychology, wherein a connection is established between two stimuli or events, leading to a learned response. This process is critical in understanding how behaviors are acquired and modified. Conditioning, the mechanism through which associations are formed, can be divided into two main types: classical conditioning and operant conditioning, each elucidating different aspects of associative learning.
Classical conditioning, also known...
Classical conditioning, also known...
01:26Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
Memory is one of the most vital higher mental functions of the brain. Memory is closely related to learning because it enables us to retain information and experiences from our past to use them in our present life. It also helps us to remember facts, events, and skills, such as riding a bike or swimming. There are two types of memory — declarative memory, which involves memorizing facts or events, and procedural memory, which enables us to remember how to do something like writing or playing an...
01:12Perceptual Constancy
Perceptual constancy is the ability to recognize that objects remain consistent and unchanged even when their appearance varies due to changes in sensory input. There are four main types of perceptual constancy: size constancy, shape constancy, color constancy, and brightness constancy.
Size constancy is the recognition that an object remains the same size, even when its image on the retina changes. For instance, a bus is perceived to be large enough to carry people, even if it looks tiny from...
Size constancy is the recognition that an object remains the same size, even when its image on the retina changes. For instance, a bus is perceived to be large enough to carry people, even if it looks tiny from...
01:12Observational Learning
Albert Bandura's observational learning, also known as imitation or modeling, occurs when a person observes and imitates another's behavior. It is a quicker process than operant conditioning. A well-known example is the Bobo doll study, where children who saw an adult acting aggressively towards the doll were more likely to act aggressively when left alone, compared to those who observed a nonaggressive adult. Many psychologists view observational learning as a form of latent learning because...