Neural correlates of abstract rule learning: An event-related potential study

Fang Sun, Reiko Hoshi-Shiba, Dilshat Abla, Kazuo Okanoya

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2617-2624
Number of pages8
JournalNeuropsychologia
Volume50
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Abstract rule learning
  • Event-related potential
  • N400-like negativity

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