How the brain detects patterns in sound sequences

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This project employs state of the art neuroimaging (EEG, MEG and fMRI) and behavioural experimentation (psychophysics) to reveal how human listeners discover patterns and statistical regularities in rapidly unfolding sound sequences. Accumulating experimental evidence suggests that the brain is sensitive to statistical regularities in sensory input, at multiple time scales, and that this sensitivity plays a key role in our ability to understand, efficiently interact with, and survive in the environment. However, a key question - the process through which patterns are detected in the first place - has largely eluded investigation. My proposal focuses on this crucial missing link. I propose a paradigm, recently developed and validated in my laboratory, that allows us to observe these processes, with great detail, within the auditory system. The method, based on measuring behavioural and time-locked brain responses to rapid tone-pip sequences governed by specifically controlled rules aims to uncover (1) how the brain discovers patterns in sound sequences, (2) which neural mechanisms are involved, (3) to what degree the process is automatic or susceptible to attentional state and behavioural goals of the listener. The results will reveal an important missing link in understanding audition, and perception more generally, and inform the current debate in systems neuroscience surrounding sensitivity to input statistics and predictive coding. The project draws upon, and will extend, my expertise in psychophysics, electrophysiology, and brain imaging of auditory function. It is backed by the strong multidisciplinary scientific and clinical environment of the UCL Ear Institute and the Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging.