Lecture 14 - Perceptual Learning and Individual Differences Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is perceptual learning?
Changes in neural circuits that detect and discriminate stimuli, leading to improved recognition or discrimination abilities
Does perceptual learning require conscious attention?
No, it can occur without conscious attention and is often retained over times
Where in the brain does perceptual learning occur?
It occurs in regions specific to the task, such as V1 for visual tasks or S1 for tactile tasks
Who was Scribonius Largus, and what was his contribution?
A Roman physician (43-48 AD) who used torpedo fish to treat headaches, marking early use of electric stimulation
What did Firtsch and Hitzig discover in 1870?
Electrical stimulation of the cortex can produce specific muscle movements, supporting functional localisation
How did Giovanni Aldini contribute to brain stimulation research?
IN the 19th century, he applied direct current to the human scalp, suggesting modulation of brain function, particularly for depression
What is Tes, and how is it administered?
Transcranial Electrical Stimulation involves applying low-intensity direct current (1-2 mA) via surface electrodes to modulate brain activity
What did Horvath et al. (2015) conclude about tDCS effects?
Single-session tDCS does not produce reliable cognitive effects in healthy adults
Why are tES effects variable across indiviudals?
Due to:
- Different differences in cortical anatomy
- Electrode positioning
- State-dependent cortical activity
What is the Vernier acuity task?
A task where participants judge the alignment of lines or dots, used to assess visual acuity improvements through perceptual learning
Describe the texture discrimination task
Participants fixate on a central letter and identify the orientation of a peripheral target array, assessing visual perception and learning
How does perceptual learning manifest over time?
It shows rapid initial improvement followed by slower, incremental gains, influenced by factors like feedback, reward, and sleep
What role does GABA play in individual perceptual differences?
GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmiter, shapes receptive field size and selectivity, influencing baseline perceptual performance
What did Puts et al. (2011) find regarding GABA and tactile discrimination?
- Higher GABA levels in the sensorimotor cortex correlate with better tactile frequency discrimination
- No such correlation in the occipital cortex
How does training affect GABAergic function?
Training can enhance phase-locking in neurons, suggesting that GABAergic mechanisms contribute to perceptual learning improvements
What is the role of perineuronal nets in the brain?
They surround GABAergic interneurons post-critical period, stabilising neural circuits and limiting plasticity
Can the critical period be reopened?
Yes, dissolving perineuronal nets with proteases can restore aspects of critical period plasticity in the visual cortex
What is BDNF, and its significance in learning?
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor supports neuron growth and differentiation, playing a crucial role in learning and memory
Is perceptual learning limited to early life stages?
No, it occurs throughout life and is not confined to critical periods
How do individual differences impact perceptual learning?
Variations in baseline performance and neural mechanisms like GABA levels influence learning rates and outcomes
