Eye and Brain: The Psychology of Seeing by Gregory Richard L

Author:Gregory, Richard L.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 2015-03-14T16:00:00+00:00

Physiological changes

Recent experiments have been aimed at whether physiological ‘feature detectors’ (Figure 4.7) are simply given innately, or whether early experience affects them. Kittens have been reared in environments of vertical stripes, then tested for vision of vertical and other orientations. It has been found, especially by Colin Blakemore, that kittens living in a world of only vertical stripes appear to be blind to horizontal lines—and they lack horizontal feature detectors. Similarly, kittens denied vertical stripes do not have well organized vertical feature detectors. This suggests that feature detectors are not completely laid down at birth; but are developed—or ‘tuned’—by visual stimulation encountered by the individual. This is important for considering optimal environments for babies, especially as it has been found that some innately given neural mechanisms degenerate with lack of stimulation. This is clearly so for the ability to see depth stereoscopically. In childhood there are ‘critical periods’ for learning how to see, and without suitable experience at the right time such visual skills can be lost forever. Early visual environment of babies is highly important for adult vision—so nursery wallpaper should be considered!

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