Probabilistic learning of cue-outcome associations is not influenced by autistic traits

Ong, J. H. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1503-8311 and Liu, F. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7776-0222 (2023) Probabilistic learning of cue-outcome associations is not influenced by autistic traits. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53 (10). pp. 4047-4059. ISSN 0162-3257 doi: 10.1007/s10803-022-05690-0

Abstract/Summary

According to Bayesian/predictive coding models of autism, autistic individuals may have difficulties learning probabilistic cue-outcome associations, but empirical evidence has been mixed. The target cues used in previous studies were often straightforward and might not reflect real-life learning of such associations which requires learners to infer which cue(s) among many to track. Across two experiments, we compared adult learners with varying levels of autistic traits on their ability to infer the correct cue to learn probabilistic cue-outcome associations when explicitly instructed to do so or when exposed implicitly. We found no evidence for the effect of autistic traits on probabilistic learning accuracy, contrary to the predictions of Bayesian/predictive coding models. Implications for the current Bayesian/predictive coding models are discussed.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/106318
Identification Number/DOI	10.1007/s10803-022-05690-0
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Interdisciplinary Research Centres (IDRCs) > Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN) Interdisciplinary centres and themes > ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) Research Network Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Psychology Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Language and Cognition
Publisher	Springer
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