Cognitive Mode Detectable with Task-Based fMRI: Auditory Perception (AUD)

In the context of task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), cognitive modes can be defined as task-general cognitive/sensory/motor processes which reliably elicit specific blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal pattern configurations. A number of cognitive modes are detectable with task-based fMRI, and here we focus on auditory perception (AUD), which has been observed during speech perception. The BOLD signal configurations associated with AUD are modulated by a range of tasks, and here we present three. For each task, we report: (1) specific pattern-based (as opposed to coordinate-based) anatomical details essential for distinguishing AUD from other BOLD-based cognitive modes, and (2) task-induced BOLD signal changes associated with AUD over a range of task conditions. In order to facilitate recognition, we nick-named the anatomical patterns specific to AUD as follows: (1) Headphones, and (2) Ear Buds. Evidence for AUD was derived from the timing and magnitude of task-induced BOLD signal changes induced by the following tasks: radio speech, speech perception, and thought generation. This evidence consistently supported the AUD cognitive mode involving in perceiving speech.