Modulating perceptual learning indexed by the face inversion effect: Simulating the application of transcranial...

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Perceptual Learning
• Neurostimulation

Background:

• The face inversion effect demonstrates specialized face processing.
• Harmful generalization occurs when distorted faces influence normal face perception.
• Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates cortical excitability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of anodal tDCS on perceptual learning of faces.
• To examine how tDCS influences the face inversion effect and generalization.
• To determine if tDCS can mitigate or enhance harmful generalization from Thatcherized faces.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments (n=128) using tDCS compared the face inversion effect.
• Participants viewed normal faces intermixed with either Thatcherized faces or checkerboards.
• Sham and anodal tDCS conditions were employed to assess stimulation effects.

Main Results:

• Sham tDCS showed reduced inversion effect with Thatcherized faces, indicating harmful generalization.
• Anodal tDCS reversed this, increasing the inversion effect with Thatcherized faces.
• Anodal tDCS also reduced the inversion effect when normal faces were paired with non-generalizing stimuli.

Conclusions:

• Anodal tDCS can counteract harmful generalization in face perception.
• tDCS modulates perceptual learning, influencing the face inversion effect.
• Findings support computational models of learning and generalization in face processing.