title: Infant temporal contrast sensitivity at low temporal frequencies.
abstract: The data on infant temporal contrast sensitivity functions (TCSFs) are scarce and contradictory. Earlier studies suggest that critical flicker frequency (CFF) is adultlike at 2-3 months postnatal (Regal, D. M., 1981 Vision Research, 21, 549-555), while contrast sensitivity at low temporal frequencies remains poor. If both of these findings are true, then infant TCSFs are much flatter than those of adults. In the present study, we have re-investigated 2-month-olds' contrast thresholds at low temporal frequencies. To match the conditions of Regal's CFF study, test fields were embedded in a luminance-matched surround. As in previous studies, low contrast sensitivities were found. Models of infants' flat TCSFs are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
authors.forename: D Y
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Teller
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Lindsey
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Mar
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Succop
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Mahal
mesh_terms: D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology