TY - JOUR
T1 - Neural correlates of abstract rule learning
T2 - An event-related potential study
AU - Sun, Fang
AU - Hoshi-Shiba, Reiko
AU - Abla, Dilshat
AU - Okanoya, Kazuo
PY - 2012/9
Y1 - 2012/9
N2 - Abstract rule learning is a fundamental aspect of human cognition, and is essential for language acquisition. However, despite its importance, the neural mechanisms underlying abstract rule learning are still largely unclear. In this study, we investigated the neural correlates of abstract rule learning by recording auditory event-related potentials (ERPs). Participants were first presented with artificial three-syllable sequences containing ABA or ABB abstract rules for learning. They were then tested on sequences of novel syllables following the ABA or ABB abstract rules, half of which were inconsistent with the rule previously learned. Grand-averaged ERPs revealed significant decreases in positivity at 200-260. ms in response to consistent sequences during the earlier session of the test phase, and increased negativity at around 400. ms in response to inconsistent sequences in the later session. The potentials exhibited a left anterior-dominant distribution. The appearance of the N400-like negativity in the later session suggests that temporal ERP changes occurred with the abstract rule learning process, and that the N400-like negativity is associated with the acquisition of abstract rules.
AB - Abstract rule learning is a fundamental aspect of human cognition, and is essential for language acquisition. However, despite its importance, the neural mechanisms underlying abstract rule learning are still largely unclear. In this study, we investigated the neural correlates of abstract rule learning by recording auditory event-related potentials (ERPs). Participants were first presented with artificial three-syllable sequences containing ABA or ABB abstract rules for learning. They were then tested on sequences of novel syllables following the ABA or ABB abstract rules, half of which were inconsistent with the rule previously learned. Grand-averaged ERPs revealed significant decreases in positivity at 200-260. ms in response to consistent sequences during the earlier session of the test phase, and increased negativity at around 400. ms in response to inconsistent sequences in the later session. The potentials exhibited a left anterior-dominant distribution. The appearance of the N400-like negativity in the later session suggests that temporal ERP changes occurred with the abstract rule learning process, and that the N400-like negativity is associated with the acquisition of abstract rules.
KW - Abstract rule learning
KW - Event-related potential
KW - N400-like negativity
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84865567618&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2012.07.013
DO - 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2012.07.013
M3 - 記事
C2 - 22820632
AN - SCOPUS:84865567618
SN - 0028-3932
VL - 50
SP - 2617
EP - 2624
JO - Neuropsychologia
JF - Neuropsychologia
IS - 11
ER -