FORWARD AND REVERSE HIERARCHIES IN AUDITORY PERCEPTUAL LEARNING

Abstract This paper attempts to apply the reverse hierarchy theory (RHT) of visual perceptual learning to auditory perceptual learning, and to extend it to account for how the differences in architecture of the two systems may affect the learning process. I would like to propose that rather than a singular learning process as described by RHT two types of auditory learning are occurring concurrently and in opposing directions: selection and enhancement of task-relevant information which proceeds in reverse through the processing hierarchies, starting at high levels and cascading to low levels as training progresses, and filtering of task-irrelevant information which proceeds forward through the processing hierarchy. Transfer of learning is likewise a twofold phenomenon: either a by-product of the enhancement process benefitting from processing at high levels where there is less specificity in neuronal representations, or the result of a failure to filter out and suppress processing information extraneous ...