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