Competition Between Predictive Processes and Prefrontal Cortex Functions: From Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation to Local Sleep

Human learning and predictive processing rely on multiple cognitive systems associated with distinct brain structures. These systems do not always cooperate; they sometimes compete to optimize performance. Research suggests that reducing the engagement of prefrontal cortex-mediated explicit and attentional processes can enhance non-declarative learning. In this talk, I will present findings from four studies—on non-invasive brain stimulation, functional brain connectivity, lifespan development, local sleep, and mind-wandering—exploring the competitive interaction between perceptual statistical learning and prefrontal executive functions. Our results highlight the competitive nature of cognitive systems and their implications for improving learning and predictive processing.

Recommended Reading:

• Vékony, T., Farkas, B. C., Brezóczki, B., Mittner, M., Csifcsák, G., Simor, P., & Németh, D. (2025). Mind wandering enhances statistical learning. iScience.

• Ambrus, G. G., Vékony, T., Janacsek, K., Trimborn, A. B., Kovács, G., & Németh, D. (2020). When less is more: Enhanced statistical learning of non-adjacent dependencies after disruption of bilateral DLPFC. Journal of Memory and Language, 114, 104144.

More about the Speaker

Dezső Németh, Team Leader at the Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL), INSERM, France
Website: https://nemethlab.com/