Cortical and subcortical brain regions involved in rule-based category learning.
The brain regions contributing to rule-based category learning were examined using fMRI. Participants categorized single lines that varied in length and orientation into one of two categories. Category membership was based on the length of the line. Results indicated that left frontal and parietal regions were differentially activated in those participants who learned the task as compared to those who did not. Further, the head of the caudate displayed relative decreases in activation on incorrect trials relative to correct trials. The involvement of this latter structure is likely related to (1) processing an error signal, or (2) volitional switching between potential category rules. Results are consistent with theories suggesting that a frontal-striatal circuit is involved in rule-based category learning.
Filoteo
J Vincent
JV
Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA. vfiloteo@ucsd.edu
Maddox
W Todd
WT
Simmons
Alan N
AN
Ing
A David
AD
Cagigas
Xavier E
XE
Matthews
Scott
S
Paulus
Martin P
MP
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010296:Parietal Lobe / Q000502:physiology*; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*