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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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Automated Visual Cognitive Tasks for Recording Neural Activity Using a Floor Projection Maze
Published on: February 20, 2014
Brain activity during acquisition of long visuospatial sequences.
Milena I Mihovilovic1, Thomas Stephan1, Andreas Straube1,2
1Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany.
Frontiers in Cognition
|June 24, 2026
Summary
This study used fMRI to investigate how the brain learns visuospatial sequences. Results show the superior parietal lobule (SPL) and V5 areas are crucial for sequence learning, beyond just spatial attention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Visuospatial sequence acquisition involves complex attentional and processing mechanisms.
- Disentangling these mechanisms requires targeted experimental designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural correlates of visuospatial sequence acquisition using fMRI.
- To differentiate brain regions involved in sequence learning from those involved solely in spatial attention.
Main Methods:
- fMRI study with 34 participants using a delayed imitation paradigm.
- Behavioral data analyzed to predict BOLD activity based on encoding progress.
- A separate attention-only task isolated spatial attention-related activity.
Main Results:
- Heightened activation in bilateral superior parietal lobules (SPL), V5, and middle frontal gyri (MFG) for both tasks.
- Increased response in SPL and V5 during sequence learning, but not MFG.
- Significant region-by-task interactions, with a right-biased hemispheric tendency.
Conclusions:
- The superior parietal lobule (SPL) and V5 play a significant role in visuospatial sequence acquisition.
- This role extends beyond general spatial attention mechanisms.
- Findings suggest specialized neural circuits for learning ordered spatial information.
