The extent to which visuocortical processing is altered when observers learn to categorize novel visual stimuli via labeling is not well understood. The present investigation used steady state visual evoked potential (ssVEP) frequency tagging to test the hypothesis that learning to categorize novel objects via labeling prompts a competitive advantage over concurrently presented stimuli. In the learning (label-training) phase, participants (n = 24) categorized objects according to two different species labels and faces according to gender. A control group (n = 26) viewed the same stimuli without label learning. Before and after learning, faces and objects were superimposed and viewed concurrently while periodically turned on and off at unique temporal rates (5/s or 6/s). The spectral power of the ssVEP at each frequency was projected to an L2 (minimum) norm estimated source space, and competition between faces and objects was compared using permutation-controlled mass univariate t tests. Results showed that, only in the training group, learning to label novel objects led to a competitive advantage over faces across a network of occipito-temporal and fronto-parietal cortical regions. These changes were more pronounced in participants showing more improvement across the label learning phase. Together, the findings support the notion that learning to label novel object categories affects neural competition though recurrent neural interactions in regions commonly associated with visual perception and selective attention.
Loneliness is a rising global problem just as digital communication platforms have afforded people greater opportunities to interact. This paradox suggests that increased opportunities for social interactions may be insufficient for relieving loneliness. Using daily diary methodology, we examined how features of social interactions—type and perceived quality—predicted daily loneliness. Over 14 consecutive days, 269 adult participants provided 2986 daily reports on their loneliness levels, the types of daily social interactions they had, and the quality of these social interactions. Results indicated that in-person interactions most strongly predicted reduced loneliness relative to other interaction types. Interactions characterized by positive qualities were associated with lower same-day loneliness. In turn, interactions characterized by negative qualities were associated with higher same-day loneliness. Across all subjective qualities, feeling closed off and distant from others during interactions was the strongest predictor of same-day loneliness. These findings highlight that time spent socializing is not a panacea for reducing loneliness, and increasing in-person interactions and reducing negative social experiences may best foster social connection.
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