Learning-Induced Changes in the Cerebral Processing of Voice Identity

Latinus, M., Crabbe, F. and Belin, P. (2011) Learning-Induced Changes in the Cerebral Processing of Voice Identity. Cerebral Cortex, 21(12), pp. 2820-2828. (doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhr077) (PMID:21531779)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhr077

Abstract

Temporal voice areas showing a larger activity for vocal than non-vocal sounds have been identified along the superior temporal sulcus (STS); more voice-sensitive areas have been described in frontal and parietal lobes. Yet, the role of voice-sensitive regions in representing voice identity remains unclear. Using a functional magnetic resonance adaptation design, we aimed at disentangling acoustic- from identity-based representations of voices. Sixteen participants were scanned while listening to pairs of voices drawn from morphed continua between 2 initially unfamiliar voices, before and after a voice learning phase. In a given pair, the first and second stimuli could be identical or acoustically different and, at the second session, perceptually similar or different. At both sessions, right mid-STS/superior temporal gyrus (STG) and superior temporal pole (sTP) showed sensitivity to acoustical changes. Critically, voice learning induced changes in the acoustical processing of voices in inferior frontal cortices (IFCs). At the second session only, right IFC and left cingulate gyrus showed sensitivity to changes in perceived identity. The processing of voice identity appears to be subserved by a large network of brain areas ranging from the sTP, involved in an acoustic-based representation of unfamiliar voices, to areas along the convexity of the IFC for identity-related processing of familiar voices

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Belin, Professor Pascal and Crabbe, Mrs Frances and Latinus, Dr Marianne
Authors: Latinus, M., Crabbe, F., and Belin, P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Journal Name:Cerebral Cortex
ISSN:1047-3211

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
429751The perception of voice gender and identity - a combined behavioural, electrophysiological and neuroimaging approachPascal BelinBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)BB/E003958/1Cognitive Neuroimaging & Neuroengineering Technologies
449881Social interaction - a cognitive-neurosciences approachSimon GarrodEconomic & Social Research Council (ESRC)ES/E020933/1Cognitive Neuroimaging & Neuroengineering Technologies