RT Journal Article
A1 Zhang, Pan
A1 Hou, Fang
A1 Yan, Fang-Fang
A1 Xi, Jie
A1 Lin, Bo-Rong
A1 Zhao, Jin
A1 Yang, Jia
A1 Chen, Ge
A1 Zhang, Meng-Yuan
A1 He, Qing
A1 Dosher, Barbara Anne
A1 Lu, Zhong-Lin
A1 Huang, Chang-Bing
T1 High reward enhances perceptual learning
JF Journal of Vision
JO Journal of Vision
YR 2018
DO 10.1167/18.8.11
VO 18
IS 8
SP 11
OP 11
SN 1534-7362
AB  Studies of perceptual learning have revealed a great deal of plasticity in adult humans. In this study, we systematically investigated the effects and mechanisms of several forms (trial-by-trial, block, and session rewards) and levels (no, low, high, subliminal) of monetary reward on the rate, magnitude, and generalizability of perceptual learning. We found that high monetary reward can greatly promote the rate and boost the magnitude of learning and enhance performance in untrained spatial frequencies and eye without changing interocular, interlocation, and interdirection transfer indices. High reward per se made unique contributions to the enhanced learning through improved internal noise reduction. Furthermore, the effects of high reward on perceptual learning occurred in a range of perceptual tasks. The results may have major implications for the understanding of the nature of the learning rule in perceptual learning and for the use of reward to enhance perceptual learning in practical applications. 
RD 4/20/2021
UL https://doi.org/10.1167/18.8.11