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- Title
Testosterone induces off-line perceptual learning.
- Authors
Wright, Nicholas; Edwards, Thomas; Fleming, Stephen; Dolan, Raymond
- Abstract
Rationale: Perceptual learning operates on distinct timescales. How different neuromodulatory systems impact on learning across these different timescales is poorly understood. Objectives: Here, we test the causal impact of a novel influence on perceptual learning, the androgen hormone testosterone, across distinct timescales. Methods: In a double-blind, placebo- controlled, cross-over study with testosterone, subjects undertook a simple contrast detection task during training sessions on two separate days. Results: On placebo, there was no learning either within training sessions or between days, except for a fast, rapidly saturating, improvement early on each testing day. However, testosterone caused 'off-line' learning, with no learning seen within training sessions, but a marked performance improvement over the days between sessions. This testosterone-induced learning occurred in the absence of changes in subjective confidence or introspective accuracy. Conclusions: Our findings show that testosterone influences perceptual learning on a timescale consistent with an influence on 'off-line' consolidation processes.
- Subjects
TESTOSTERONE; PERCEPTUAL learning; ANDROGENS; NEUROTRANSMITTERS; PLACEBOS; NONVERBAL learning; PSYCHOLOGY of learning
- Publication
Psychopharmacology, 2012, Vol 224, Issue 3, p451
- ISSN
0033-3158
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00213-012-2769-y