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Initial exposure to random input decreases subsequent statistical learning: Behavioral and neural evidence
C Iorio1, M Edalati2, S Moghimi3
1Université Bourgogne Europe, CNRS, LEAD UMR5022, 21000 Dijon, France.
Brain and Cognition
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Initial exposure to random sounds can hinder statistical learning, impacting how the brain processes new patterns. This suggests learning is shaped by context, not just incoming data.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Linguistics
Background:
- Statistical learning enables detecting regularities, crucial for cognitive processes.
- Prior context's influence on statistical learning is not fully understood.
- Understanding context effects is key to decoding learning mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate how initial exposure to random sounds affects subsequent artificial language learning.
- Examine the impact of random-first versus structure-first exposure on neural and behavioral learning mechanisms.
- Determine if early randomness interferes with encoding regularities.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Two-alternative forced-choice task assessing word segmentation after random or structured stream exposure.
- Experiment 2: Neural response monitoring during artificial language exposure to index segmentation.
- Utilized adult participants in controlled experimental conditions.
Main Results:
- Participants exposed to structured streams first demonstrated superior word segmentation compared to those initially exposed to random streams.
- Neural responses indicated that early randomness impaired the encoding of linguistic regularities.
- Behavioral and neural data consistently supported the interference effect of random exposure.
Conclusions:
- Statistical learning is dynamically influenced by the learning context, not solely stimulus-driven.
- Early exposure to randomness can disrupt the brain's ability to learn structured patterns.
- Contextual factors play a significant role in shaping neural and behavioral learning processes.
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