Benefits of multisensory learning.

Full Abstract

Studies of learning, and in particular perceptual learning, have focused on learning of stimuli consisting of a single sensory modality. However, our experience in the world involves constant multisensory stimulation. For instance, visual and auditory information are integrated in performing many tasks that involve localizing and tracking moving objects. Therefore, it is likely that the human brain has evolved to develop, learn and operate optimally in multisensory environments. We suggest that training protocols that employ unisensory stimulus regimes do not engage multisensory learning mechanisms and, therefore, might not be optimal for learning. However, multisensory-training protocols can better approximate natural settings and are more effective for learning.

Author information

Author/s: Shams, Ladan (L); Seitz, Aaron R (AR);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. ladan(-atsign-)psych.ucla.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Trends in cognitive sciences (Trends Cogn Sci), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Nov; vol 12 (issue 11) : pp 411-7

Dates: Created 2009/03/09; Completed 2009/04/01;

PMID: 18805039, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 4/1/2009, IMS Date: 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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