Perceptual learning of luminance contrast detection: specific for spatial frequency and retinal location but not orientation.

Full Abstract

Performance of a wide range of simple visual tasks improves with practice. Here we ask whether such learning occurs for the fundamental visual task of luminance contrast detection. In two experiments we find that contrast sensitivity increases following extensive practice at detecting briefly presented sinusoidal luminance gratings and that learning is maintained after six months. Learning is spatial frequency tuned, specific to retinal location and can be specific to one eye, but is not selective for orientation. The selectivity of learning implies that it is based on plasticity in early visual, as opposed to central cognitive, processing mechanisms.

Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills

Author information

Author/s: Sowden, Paul T (PT); Rose, David (D); Davies, Ian R L (IR);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK. p.sowden(-atsign-)surrey.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Vision research (Vision Res), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-May; vol 42 (issue 10) : pp 1249-58

Dates: Created 2002/06/04; Completed 2002/08/30; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 12044757, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Contrast Sensitivity - physiology
Form Perception - physiology
Humans
Learning - physiology

Learning - physiology
Posture
Psychophysics
Time Factors

These are the highest related articles currently in the database:

See 100+ related articles.