內隱性視覺機率學習的神經機制

Neural Mechanisms of Implicit Visual Probability Learning

在視線所及之處，預測性訊息無所不在。這些訊息預告著隨即發生的事件機率及可能性，讓視覺系統得以事先準備，並用最有效的狀態反應。這類事先獲取資料訊息的內隱性處理過程，在諸多研究領域中已受到許多行為證據支持證明（如：空間、時序、抽象機率）。近來，神經生理學也試著去了解這些學習過程背後的神經機制。其結果顯示額葉及頂葉網絡和內側顳葉佔有不可或缺的角色。本文欲回顧探討此類學習歷程在視覺注意力及眼球運動控制層面上的各項證據，並檢視現今研究之結果，以探討其神經機制。此研究議題所涉及之腦區包含額葉眼動區、輔助眼動區、後頂葉皮質及內側顳葉。總結各項發現，上述區域對於機率學習在視覺注意力及眼球運動控制的表現上皆有其關鍵且獨特的重要角色。

Predictive information exists ubiquitously in the visual environment. Such information signals the probability or likelihood of upcoming events, thus facilitating the visual system in preparing optimal responses in advance. This ability of the visual system to implicitly acquire predictive and probabilistic information has been well documented by behavioral evidence from many domains (e.g., spatial, temporal, and abstract probability). Recently, neurophysiological studies have begun to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying these learning processes and suggest a critical involvement of the fronto-parietal network and medial temporal lobe. In this paper we review evidence for such learning at the visual attention and oculomotor control levels. We also review some of the studies that delineate the neural substrates that contribute to probability learning at both levels: including the frontal eye field, supplementary eye field, posterior parietal cortex, and medial temporal lobe. Together, each of these regions provides a unique and critical contribution to probability learning in visual attention and oculomotor control.