Understanding Pitch Perception as a Hierarchical Process with Top-Down Modulation
Author Information
Author(s): Emili Balaguer-Ballester, Nicholas R. Clark, Martin Coath, Katrin Krumbholz, Susan L. Denham
Primary Institution: Centre for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience, University of Plymouth
Hypothesis
The study proposes a neurocomputational model that explains the temporal dynamics of pitch perception through hierarchical processing and top-down modulation.
Conclusion
The model successfully accounts for the multiple time scales involved in pitch perception and the stimulus-dependent nature of auditory processing.
Supporting Evidence
- The model replicates perceptual responses in a wide range of perceptual experiments.
- It accounts quantitatively for the stimulus-dependent latency of the pitch onset response measured in the auditory cortex.
- The model explains the temporal resolution and integration trade-off observed in pitch perception.
Takeaway
This study shows how our brain understands sounds by using different time scales, like a camera that can focus on both close and far objects at the same time.
Methodology
The model was evaluated using psychophysical experiments and neurophysiological data to assess its predictions about pitch perception.
Limitations
The model is highly idealized and may not capture all aspects of auditory processing.
Participant Demographics
Five participants were involved in the psychoacoustic study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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