How we can change your mind: Anodal tDCS to Fp3 alters human stimulus representation and learning. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Civile, Ciro; McLaren, Rossy; McLaren, I.P.L.
• Is Part Of: Neuropsychologia. Volume 119(2018)
• Page Start: 241
• Page End: 246
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Perceptual learning -- tDCS -- Face inversion effect -- Generalization; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Neuropsychologie -- Périodiques; Neuropsychology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2018.08.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0028-3932

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of the current work is to advance our understanding of both the mechanisms controlling perceptual learning and the face inversion effect. In the three double blind experiments reported here (total N = 144) we have shown that anodal tDCS stimulation (10 min at 1.5 mA) delivered over the left DLPFC at Fp3 affects perceptual learning and drastically reduces the, usually robust, face inversion effect. In Experiment 1, we found a significantly reduced inversion effect in the anodal group compared to that in the sham group. Experiment 2 replicated the pattern of results found in Experiment 1. In both experiments recognition performance for upright faces in the anodal group was significantly impaired compared to that in the sham group. Finally, using an active control in Experiment 3 (same behavioural task but different tDCS targeted brain area) we showed that the same Fp3 anodal tDCS stimulation effect is not obtained when a different brain area is targeted. Highlights: Experiment 1& 2 show that anodal tDCS delivered (10 min at 1.5 mA) over the Fp3 reduces the face inversion effect. Experiment 3 shows that the same tDCS stimulation does not have the same effect when applied to a different brain area. Anodal tDCS to Fp3 brain area reduces face recognition.