Interference and feature specificity in visual perceptual learning

Vision Res. 2009 Oct;49(21):2611-23. doi: 10.1016/j.visres.2009.08.001. Epub 2009 Aug 6.

Abstract

Perceptual learning (PL) often shows specificity to a trained feature. We investigated whether feature specificity is related to disruption in PL using the texture discrimination task (TDT), which shows learning specificity to background element but not to target element. Learning was disrupted when orientations of background elements were changed in two successive training sessions (interference) but not in a random order from trial to trial (roving). The presentation of target elements seemed to have reversed effect; learning occurred in two-parts training but not with roving. These results suggest that interference in TDT is feature specific while disruption by roving is not.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Discrimination, Psychological / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Male
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual / physiology
  • Photic Stimulation / methods
  • Psychophysics
  • Sensory Thresholds / physiology
  • Visual Perception / physiology*
  • Young Adult