Expecting the Unexpected: Learning Complex Temporal and Rhythmic Relations [ 2009-01-01 - 2013-06-30 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Catherine J Stevens (Chief Investigator) ,  Catherine J Stevens (Chief Investigator) ,  Dr Barbara Tillmann (Partner Investigator) ,  Dr Peter Keller (Partner Investigator)

Brief description Expecting the Unexpected: Learning Complex Temporal and Rhythmic Relations. Music is one of the most accessible routes to experience, and to learn about, cultures other than our own. A new implicit method for learning complex rhythm and underlying metre promotes inter-group understanding and communication. We hypothesize that implicit learning (IL) of unfamiliar complex metres through music generalizes to spoken language built on similar metres; IL facilitates segmentation of previously unfamiliar spoken language and enhances recognition of English spoken with the stress pattern of a 'foreign' metre. Future intervention programs based on implicit learning of temporal relations will benefit people with reading difficulties or timing problems characteristic of cerebellar and basal ganglia patients.

Funding Amount $186,000

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects

View this grant in the ARC Data Portal