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RATIONALE: Perceptual learning operates on distinct timescales. How different neuromodulatory systems impact on learning across these different timescales is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: Here, we test the causal impact of a novel influence on perceptual learning, the androgen hormone testosterone, across distinct timescales. METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo- controlled, cross-over study with testosterone, subjects undertook a simple contrast detection task during training sessions on two separate days. RESULTS: On placebo, there was no learning either within training sessions or between days, except for a fast, rapidly saturating, improvement early on each testing day. However, testosterone caused "off-line" learning, with no learning seen within training sessions, but a marked performance improvement over the days between sessions. This testosterone-induced learning occurred in the absence of changes in subjective confidence or introspective accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that testosterone influences perceptual learning on a timescale consistent with an influence on "off-line" consolidation processes.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/s00213-012-2769-y

Type

Journal article

Journal

Psychopharmacology (Berl)

Publication Date

12/2012

Volume

224

Pages

451 - 457

Keywords

Adult, Analysis of Variance, Contrast Sensitivity, Cross-Over Studies, Double-Blind Method, Female, Humans, Learning, Neuropsychological Tests, Photic Stimulation, Testosterone, Time Factors, Young Adult