Right hemisphere advantage in statistical learning: Evidence from a probabilistic sequence learning task

Authors: Janacsek, K., Ambrus, G.G., Paulus, W., Antal, A. and Nemeth, D.

Journal: Brain Stimulation

Volume: 8

Issue: 2

Pages: 277-282

eISSN: 1876-4754

ISSN: 1935-861X

DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2014.11.008

Abstract:

Background: Picking up statistical regularities of patterns from the environment is essential for predictive and adaptive behavior. One of the most important challenges is to understand how statistical learning occurs and how the acquired information consolidates and stabilizes in the brain. Evidence suggests that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) has a critical role in these processes; the division of labor between hemispheres, however, is less characterized. Objective/hypothesis: The aim of the present study was to directly investigate the causal role of the right and left PFC in statistical learning and its consolidation. Methods: Healthy, young adults were trained on a probabilistic sequence learning task. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the right or left dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC) was applied during the training in order to modify learning-related cortical plasticity in the targeted brain regions by increasing neural excitability. Performance was tested during and immediately after the stimulation, 2-h and 24-h later. Results: We found that the anodal tDCS over the right DLPFC led to enhanced learning performance both after the 2-h and 24-h retention periods, suggesting the causal role of this area in statistical learning. In contrast, we did not find any effect of left DLPFC stimulation on learning. Conclusions: These results highlight the role of the right fronto-striatal network in statistical learning and its consolidation.

Source: Scopus

Right hemisphere advantage in statistical learning: evidence from a probabilistic sequence learning task.

Authors: Janacsek, K., Ambrus, G.G., Paulus, W., Antal, A. and Nemeth, D.

Journal: Brain Stimul

Volume: 8

Issue: 2

Pages: 277-282

eISSN: 1876-4754

DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2014.11.008

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Picking up statistical regularities of patterns from the environment is essential for predictive and adaptive behavior. One of the most important challenges is to understand how statistical learning occurs and how the acquired information consolidates and stabilizes in the brain. Evidence suggests that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) has a critical role in these processes; the division of labor between hemispheres, however, is less characterized. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of the present study was to directly investigate the causal role of the right and left PFC in statistical learning and its consolidation. METHODS: Healthy, young adults were trained on a probabilistic sequence learning task. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the right or left dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC) was applied during the training in order to modify learning-related cortical plasticity in the targeted brain regions by increasing neural excitability. Performance was tested during and immediately after the stimulation, 2-h and 24-h later. RESULTS: We found that the anodal tDCS over the right DLPFC led to enhanced learning performance both after the 2-h and 24-h retention periods, suggesting the causal role of this area in statistical learning. In contrast, we did not find any effect of left DLPFC stimulation on learning. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the role of the right fronto-striatal network in statistical learning and its consolidation.

Source: PubMed

Right Hemisphere Advantage in Statistical Learning: Evidence From a Probabilistic Sequence Learning Task

Authors: Janacsek, K., Ambrus, G.G., Paulus, W., Antal, A. and Nemeth, D.

Journal: BRAIN STIMULATION

Volume: 8

Issue: 2

Pages: 277-282

eISSN: 1876-4754

ISSN: 1935-861X

DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2014.11.008

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Right hemisphere advantage in statistical learning: evidence from a probabilistic sequence learning task.

Authors: Janacsek, K., Ambrus, G.G., Paulus, W., Antal, A. and Nemeth, D.

Journal: Brain stimulation

Volume: 8

Issue: 2

Pages: 277-282

eISSN: 1876-4754

ISSN: 1935-861X

DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2014.11.008

Abstract:

Background

Picking up statistical regularities of patterns from the environment is essential for predictive and adaptive behavior. One of the most important challenges is to understand how statistical learning occurs and how the acquired information consolidates and stabilizes in the brain. Evidence suggests that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) has a critical role in these processes; the division of labor between hemispheres, however, is less characterized.

Objective/hypothesis

The aim of the present study was to directly investigate the causal role of the right and left PFC in statistical learning and its consolidation.

Methods

Healthy, young adults were trained on a probabilistic sequence learning task. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the right or left dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC) was applied during the training in order to modify learning-related cortical plasticity in the targeted brain regions by increasing neural excitability. Performance was tested during and immediately after the stimulation, 2-h and 24-h later.

Results

We found that the anodal tDCS over the right DLPFC led to enhanced learning performance both after the 2-h and 24-h retention periods, suggesting the causal role of this area in statistical learning. In contrast, we did not find any effect of left DLPFC stimulation on learning.

Conclusions

These results highlight the role of the right fronto-striatal network in statistical learning and its consolidation.

Source: Europe PubMed Central