Perceptually based implicit learning in severe closed-head injury patients.
This study suggests that perceptually based implicit learning may either be preserved following a severe closed-head injury (CHI) or recover within the 1st year. Nineteen severe CHI patients and 19 controls searched visual matrices and indicated the quadrant location of a target. Participants were exposed to the following covariation pattern: AAAABAAA. For Covariation A blocks, the matrices systematically co-occurred with a unique location of the target. This relationship was altered for the B block. Despite CHI participants' overall slower response times (RTs), both groups demonstrated the expected decline in RTs across the first 4 Covariation A blocks followed by an increase when the covariation changed. Both groups also exhibited retention of their learning after a 20-min delay. Explicit knowledge tests indicated that participants lacked awareness for the covariation.
Nissley
Heather M
HM
Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-4820, USA.
Schmitter-Edgecombe
Maureen
M
D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010465:Perception; D011930:Reaction Time; D012153:Retention, Psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index