title: Just do it: action-dependent learning allows sensory prediction.
abstract: Sensory-motor learning is commonly considered as a mapping process, whereby sensory information is transformed into the motor commands that drive actions. However, this directional mapping, from inputs to outputs, is part of a loop; sensory stimuli cause actions and vice versa. Here, we explore whether actions affect the understanding of the sensory input that they cause. Using a visuo-motor task in humans, we demonstrate two types of learning-related behavioral effects. Stimulus-dependent effects reflect stimulus-response learning, while action-dependent effects reflect a distinct learning component, allowing the brain to predict the forthcoming sensory outcome of actions. Together, the stimulus-dependent and the action-dependent learning components allow the brain to construct a complete internal representation of the sensory-motor loop.
authors: The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel. itain@ekmd.huji.ac.il
authors: Itai
authors: I
authors: Novick
authors: Eilon
authors: E
authors: Vaadia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D012399:Rotation; D055815:Young Adult