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Visual velocity aftereffects in radial flow : inherited and unique features

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Visual velocity aftereffects in radial flow : inherited and unique features

Iordanova-Maximov, Marta (2007) Visual velocity aftereffects in radial flow : inherited and unique features. PhD thesis, Concordia University.

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Abstract

A realistic radial flow field contains a range of local velocities, yet global movement is perceived at a single speed. The present experiments explore the contribution of complex motion sensors to this velocity percept, by recording changes in speed perception and speed sensitivity after adaptation to "scrambled", or to coherently expanding/contracting radial flow. A large-scale drifting concentric sine grating, conveying motion in depth, was confined to non-abutting display sectors, defining different global patterns of flow. After adapting to a flow pattern in one display region, observers compared its speed to that in a non-adapted region. Velocity aftereffects (VAEs) from continuous unchanging motion were independent of the pattern of flow: apparent speed was reduced and speed discrimination improved in inverse proportion to the speed of the test. Sensitivity to speed differences, however, was pattern specific, and superior for expansion. Also, adapted expansion recovered its apparent speed when tested against non-adapted contraction, and direction reversals of the adapter attenuated scrambled, but not coherent VAEs. No VAEs were recorded for test motions opposite to the adapted direction. It is concluded that higher-order optic flow mechanisms are not uniquely involved in velocity estimation per se, but modulate velocity judgments in response to changes in the ongoing flow. Independent expanding and contracting velocities rival and do not suppress one another when juxtaposed in space or over time. This unique motion opponency appears to be transient and depends on the 3D quality of the flow. It ensures that the speed of approaching objects is correctly perceived, regardless of stimulus history.

Divisions:Concordia University > Faculty of Arts and Science > Psychology
Item Type:Thesis (PhD)
Authors:Iordanova-Maximov, Marta
Pagination:xi, 321 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm.
Institution:Concordia University
Degree Name:Ph. D.
Program:Psychology
Date:2007
Thesis Supervisor(s):Grünau, Michael von
Identification Number:LE 3 C66P79P 2007 I57
ID Code:975592
Deposited By: Concordia University Library
Deposited On:22 Jan 2013 16:11
Last Modified:13 Jul 2020 20:08
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