title: The neuropsychology of object constancy.
abstract: There have been several proposals for the mechanism by which we are able to recognize an object across a number of viewpoints. Viewpoint-dependent accounts suggest that recognition may be based on an incremental transformation (e.g., mental rotation) strategy, while a variety of viewpoint-independent mechanisms for object recognition have also been proposed. Recent research in neurobiology, based on the two cortical visual systems account, suggest that the processes of viewpoint-dependent and viewpoint-independent object recognition may rely on separate anatomical regions, and that brain lesions may leave patients with selective access to particular types of representation. Evidence from a variety of neuropsychological disorders are reviewed to support the position that viewpoint-independent object recognition depends upon the integrity of occipitotemporal structures. In addition, it is suggested that viewpoint-dependent processes (perhaps depending on occipitoparietal structures) may supplement this primary system under nonoptimal circumstances.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, King's College, Aberdeen University, Scotland.
authors.forename: O H
authors.initials: OH
authors.lastname: Turnbull
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Carey
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: McCarthy
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D004193:Discrimination Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D014795:Visual Pathways / Q000502:physiology