Multiple concurrent visual-motor mappings: implications for models of adaptation.
Previous research on adaptation to visual-motor rearrangement suggests that the central nervous system represents accurately only 1 visual-motor mapping at a time. This idea was examined in 3 experiments where subjects tracked a moving target under repeated alternations between 2 initially interfering mappings (the "normal" mapping characteristic of computer input devices and a 108 degree rotation of the normal mapping). Alternation between the 2 mappings led to significant reduction in error under the rotated mapping and significant reduction in the adaptation aftereffect ordinarily caused by switching between mappings. Color as a discriminative cue, interference versus decay in adaptation aftereffect, and intermanual transfer were also examined. The results reveal a capacity for multiple concurrent visual-motor mappings, possibly controlled by a parametric process near the motor output stage of processing.
Cunningham
H A
HA
Life Science Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California 94035-1000.
Welch
R B
RB
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003116:Color; D003463:Cues; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D005366:Figural Aftereffect / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D008954:Models, Biological; D009039:Motion Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D009949:Orientation; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D012399:Rotation