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

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