Learning to suppress task-irrelevant visual stimuli with attention.
While the importance of attention in perceptual learning is widely recognized, the mechanisms through which it affects learning are poorly understood. Here we show that attentional mechanisms themselves are modified during learning. Attentional suppression of task-irrelevant stimuli becomes more efficient with practice. Attentional learning was found to be stimulus-specific and to persist for several weeks, suggesting that the plasticity of attentional mechanisms is an inherent component of visual perceptual learning.
Vidnyánszky
Zoltán
Z
Neurobiology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences-Semmelweis University Medical School, Tuzolto u 58, 1094 Budapest, Hungary. vidnyanszky@ana.sote.hu
Sohn
Wonyeong
W
D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D005366:Figural Aftereffect / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008027:Light; D009039:Motion Perception / Q000502:physiology; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011601:Psychophysics; D013997:Time Factors; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*