60318
document
Perceptual learning of speech under optimal and adverse conditions . Humans have a remarkable ability to understand spoken language despite the large amount of variability in speech . Previous research has shown that listeners can use lexical information to guide their interpretation of atypical sounds in speech ( Norris , McQueen , & Cutler , 2003 ) . This kind of lexically induced perceptual learning enables people to adjust to the variations in utterances due to talker-specific characteristics , such as individual identity and dialect . The current study investigated perceptual learning in two optimal conditions : conversational speech ( Experiment 1 ) versus clear speech ( Experiment 2 ) , and three adverse conditions : noise ( Experiment 3a ) versus two cognitive loads ( Experiments 4a and 4b ) . Perceptual learning occurred in the two optimal conditions and in the two cognitive load conditions , but not in the noise condition . Furthermore , perceptual learning occurred only in the first of two sessions for each participant , and only for atypical /s/ sounds and not for atypical /f/ sounds . This pattern of learning and nonlearning reflects a balance between flexibility and stability that the speech system must have to deal with speech variability in the diverse conditions that speech is encountered .
60319
Intervention_Educational
Perceptual learning of speech
60320
Intervention_Educational
lexical information
60321
Intervention_Educational
lexically induced perceptual learning
60322
Intervention_Educational
perceptual learning
60323
Intervention_Educational
conversational speech ( Experiment
60324
Intervention_Educational
clear speech
60325
Intervention_Physical
noise
60326
Intervention_Educational
two cognitive loads
60327
Intervention_Educational
Perceptual learning
60328
Intervention_Educational
optimal conditions
60329
Intervention_Educational
cognitive load conditions
60330
Intervention_Educational
noise condition
60331
Intervention_Educational
perceptual learning
60332
Outcome_Mental
Perceptual learning of speech
60333
Outcome_Mental
perceptual learning
60334
Outcome_Mental
perceptual learning
60335
Outcome_Mental
Perceptual learning
60336
Outcome_Mental
perceptual learning
60337
Participant_Condition
Humans