Disentangling locus of perceptual learning in the visual hierarchy of motion processing

Abstract

32 Visual perceptual learning (VPL) can lead to long-lasting perceptual improvements. 33 While the efficacy of VPL is well established, there is still a considerable debate about 34 what mechanisms underlie the effects of VPL. Much of this debate concentrates on where 35 along the visual processing hierarchy behaviorally relevant plasticity takes place. Here, 36we aimed to tackle this question in context of motion processing, a domain where links 37 between behavior and processing hierarchy are well established. Specifically, we took 38 advantage of an established transition from component-dependent representations at the 39 earliest level to pattern-dependent representations at the middle-level of cortical motion 40 processing. We trained two groups of participants on the same motion direction 41 identification task using either grating or plaid stimuli. A set of pre-and post-training 42 tests was used to determine the degree of learning specificity and generalizability. This 43 approach allowed us to disentangle contributions from both low-and mid-level motion 44 processing, as well as high-level cognitive changes. We observed a complete bi-45 directional transfer of learning between component and pattern stimuli as long as they 46 shared the same apparent motion direction. This result indicates learning-induced 47

Self-operated stimuli improve subsequent visual motion processing

“…Finding a solution to the plaid motion problem can be related to the evidence from component-motion and pattern-motion cells, observed respectively in striate and extrastriate areas along the primary visual motion pathway, such as area V3A and middle temporal area (MT or V5) (35). Ultimately, the steps in the formation of perceptual decisions and/or guidance of visual behaviours can be linked to higher-level brain areas (e.g., lateral intraparietal cortex and prefrontal cortex), which are often described as "evidence accumulators" (36)(37)(38). Apparatus.…”