Object-processing neural efficiency differentiates object from spatial visualizers.
The visual system processes object properties and spatial properties in distinct subsystems, and we hypothesized that this distinction might extend to individual differences in visual processing. We conducted a functional MRI study investigating the neural underpinnings of individual differences in object versus spatial visual processing. Nine participants of high object-processing ability ('object' visualizers) and eight participants of high spatial-processing ability ('spatial' visualizers) were scanned, while they performed an object-processing task. Object visualizers showed lower bilateral neural activity in lateral occipital complex and lower right-lateralized neural activity in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The data indicate that high object-processing ability is associated with more efficient use of visual-object resources, resulting in less neural activity in the object-processing pathway.
School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Brain Health, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA.
Michael A
MA
Motes
Rafael
R
Malach
Maria
M
Kozhevnikov
D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D005556:Form Perception / Q000502:physiology; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009778:Occipital Lobe / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual / Q000502:physiology*; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014793:Visual Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult