Potential and efficiency of statistical learning closely intertwined with individuals\u2019 executive functions: a mathematical modeling study

Jungtak Park,Minho Shin,Hee-Dong Yoon,Hyeon-Ae Jeon,Taehyun Yoo

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-75157-8

Jungtak Park, Minho Shin + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-75157-8

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Abstract

Statistical learning (SL) is essential in enabling humans to extract probabilistic regularities from the world. The ability to accomplish ultimate learning performance with training (i.e., the potential of learning) has been known to be dissociated with performance improvement per amount of learning time (i.e., the efficiency of learning). Here, we quantified the potential and efficiency of SL separately through mathematical modeling and scrutinized how they were affected by various executive functions. Our results showed that a high potential of SL was associated with poor inhibition and good visuo-spatial working memory, whereas high efficiency of SL was closely related to good inhibition and good set-shifting. We unveiled the distinct characteristics of SL in relation to potential and efficiency and their interaction with executive functions.

Highlights

Statistical learning (SL) is essential in enabling humans to extract probabilistic regularities from the world
Considering that executive functions are integral to high-level cognitive processes in humans, it is worth scrutinizing each individual process of executive functions in relation to SL
Participants showed high accuracy and fast reaction times (RTs) (Total: 285.0 ms, SD = 6.1; Pattern-High: 284.1 ms, SD = 4.1; Random-Low have the same type (Random)-High: 280.5 ms, SD = 4.3; Random-Low: 290.3 ms, SD = 5.1). These results indicate that participants successfully performed the alternating serial reaction time (ASRT) task

Summary

Introduction

Statistical learning (SL) is essential in enabling humans to extract probabilistic regularities from the world. Statistical learning (SL) is an implicit mechanism that requires learners to extract probabilistic regularities from the environment[1,2,3,4,5,6,7] It is a critical process in our daily lives based on the fact that, through SL, learners grasp probabilistic regularities to predict upcoming events and prepare appropriate actions effectively. The potential of learning is the ability to accomplish an ultimate learning performance given that learners are provided with all the optimal conditions during the progression of learning[26,27], and the efficiency of learning is the performance improvement per amount of learning time[26,28]

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