Perceptual learning of bisection stimuli under roving: slow and largely specific

J Vis. 2008 Jan 11;8(1):5.1-8. doi: 10.1167/8.1.5.

Abstract

In perceptual learning, performance often improves within a short time if only one stimulus variant is presented, such as a line bisection stimulus with one outer-line-distance. However, performance stagnates if two bisection stimuli with two outer-line-distances are presented randomly interleaved. Recently, S. G. Kuai, J. Y. Zhang, S. A. Klein, D. M. Levi, and C. Yu, (2005) proposed that learning under roving conditions is impossible in general. Contrary to this proposition, we show here that perceptual learning with bisection stimuli under roving is possible with extensive training of 18000 trials. Despite this extensive training, the improvement of performance is still largely specific. Furthermore, this improvement of performance cannot be explained by an accommodation to stimulus uncertainty caused by roving.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Distance Perception / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Motion Perception / physiology*
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Task Performance and Analysis