Perceptual learning of view-independence in visuo-haptic object representations.
We previously showed that cross-modal recognition of unfamiliar objects is view-independent, in contrast to view-dependence within-modally, in both vision and haptics. Does the view-independent, bisensory representation underlying cross-modal recognition arise from integration of unisensory, view-dependent representations or intermediate, unisensory but view-independent representations? Two psychophysical experiments sought to distinguish between these alternative models. In both experiments, participants began from baseline, within-modal, view-dependence for object recognition in both vision and haptics. The first experiment induced within-modal view-independence by perceptual learning, which was completely and symmetrically transferred cross-modally: visual view-independence acquired through visual learning also resulted in haptic view-independence and vice versa. In the second experiment, both visual and haptic view-dependence were transformed to view-independence by either haptic-visual or visual-haptic cross-modal learning. We conclude that cross-modal view-independence fits with a model in which unisensory view-dependent representations are directly integrated into a bisensory, view-independent representation, rather than via intermediate, unisensory, view-independent representations.
Lacey
Simon
S
Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Emory University, WMB-6000, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Pappas
Marisa
M
Kreps
Alexandra
A
Lee
Kevin
K
Sathian
K
K
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D011601:Psychophysics; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D012399:Rotation; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D055698:Touch Perception; D014796:Visual Perception; D055815:Young Adult