Benefits of multisensory learning.
Studies of learning, and in particular perceptual learning, have focused on learning of stimuli consisting of a single sensory modality. However, our experience in the world involves constant multisensory stimulation. For instance, visual and auditory information are integrated in performing many tasks that involve localizing and tracking moving objects. Therefore, it is likely that the human brain has evolved to develop, learn and operate optimally in multisensory environments. We suggest that training protocols that employ unisensory stimulus regimes do not engage multisensory learning mechanisms and, therefore, might not be optimal for learning. However, multisensory-training protocols can better approximate natural settings and are more effective for learning.
Shams
Ladan
L
Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. ladan@psych.ucla.edu
Seitz
Aaron R
AR
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D001307:Auditory Perception / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D019336:Cognitive Science / Q000379:methods*; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology