A task-optimized neural network replicates human auditory behavior, predicts brain responses, and reveals a cortical processing hierarchy

TitleA task-optimized neural network replicates human auditory behavior, predicts brain responses, and reveals a cortical processing hierarchy
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsKell, AJE, Yamins, DLK, Shook, EN, Norman-Haignere, SV, McDermott, JH
JournalNeuron
Volume98
Date Published04/2018
Keywordsauditory cortex, convolutional neural network, deep learning, deep neural network, encoding models, fMRI, Hierarchy, human auditory cortex, natural sounds, word recognition
Abstract

A core goal of auditory neuroscience is to build quantitative models that predict cortical responses to natural sounds. Reasoning that a complete model of auditory cortex must solve ecologically relevant tasks, we optimized hierarchical neural networks for speech and music recognition. The best-performing network contained separate music and speech pathways following early shared processing, potentially replicating human cortical organization. The network performed both tasks as well as humans and exhibited human-like errors despite not being optimized to do so, suggesting common constraints on network and human performance. The network predicted fMRI voxel responses substantially better than traditional spectrotemporal filter models throughout auditory cortex. It also provided a quantitative signature of cortical representational hierarchy—primary and non-primary responses were best predicted by intermediate and late network layers, respectively. The results suggest that task optimization provides a powerful set of tools for modeling sensory systems.

URLhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627318302502
DOI10.1016/j.neuron.2018.03.044
Reprint EditionAvailable online 19 April 2018

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