title: Neuronal mechanisms of visual perceptual learning.
abstract: Numerous psychophysical studies have described perceptual learning as long-lasting improvements in perceptual discrimination and detection capabilities following practice. Where and how long-term plastic changes occur in the brain is central to understanding the neural basis of perceptual learning. Here, neurophysiological research using non-human primates is reviewed to address the neural mechanisms underlying visual perceptual learning. Previous studies have shown that training either has no effect on or only weakly alters the sensitivity of neurons in early visual areas, but more recent evidence indicates that training can cause long-term changes in how sensory signals are read out in the later stages of decision making. These results are discussed in the context of learning specificity, which has been crucial in interpreting the mechanisms underlying perceptual learning. The possible mechanisms that support learning-related plasticity are also discussed.
authors: Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan.
authors: Hironori
authors: H
authors: Kumano
authors: Takanori
authors: T
authors: Uka
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008251:Macaca; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D011323:Primates; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D014163:Transfer, Psychology / Q000502:physiology; D014793:Visual Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*