Graphical perception is the visual decoding of the quantitative and qualitative information encoded on graphs. Some recent theoretical/experimental investigations of graphical perception are described, identifying certain elementary graphical-perception tasks that are performed in the visual decoding of quantitative information from graphs.…

Three experiments on tachistoscopic perception of visual stimuli demonstrate that the visual system is sensitive to global topological properties. The results indicate that extraction of global topological properties is a basic factor in perceptual organization. (Author)

Shows that the perceived shade of gray depends on the luminance relationship between surfaces perceived to be in the same plane and not between surfaces that are merely adjacent in the retinal image. This implies that lateral inhibition cannot explain lightness constancy. (MLH)

Stabilization of the retinal image of the boundary between a pair of red/green or yellow/blue stripes, but not their outer edges, results in the entire region being perceived simultaneously as both red/green or yellow/blue. This suggests that the percepts of reddish-green/yellowish-blue apparently are possible in corticocortical color vision…

Training improves the ability of human observers to discriminate between two similar directions of motion. This gradual improvement is specific to the direction on which an observer is trained, enduring for several months. Improvement does not affect motion perception generally, nor does it depend on recognition of details of the movement. (Author)

A previously-reported experiment designed to determine if newborn infants can distinguish between an object and a picture of that object is flawed. The experimental design and an improved design are discussed. (BB)

Reports research into the visual fixation of 3- to 11-week old infants as they observed adult faces. Reports a dramatic increase in fixations occurred between 5 and 7 weeks for all conditions. (SL)

Reports the results of studies of perception of very young infants. Sixty infants 6 to 23 days old were presented objects; looking-at and reaching-for the objects were measured. Results indicated active visual exploration of objects did occur; however, little motor activity was directed toward the objects. (SL)

Discusses techniques for studying large-scale brain activity, insights from computational modeling, and cognitive processes that could lead to a better understanding of cognition. Describes interactions between psychology and physiology in perception, structural levels of organization in the nervous system, techniques and research strategies. (RT)

Reports effects of context that are entirely perceptual. Visual discrimination was enhanced when line segments were flashed in a region that was perceived as a figure. Discrimination was substantially degraded when the same region was seen as ground although the physical stimulus remained identical throughout figure-ground reversals. (Author/JN)

Studies demonstrate increasing glucose metabolic rates in human primary (PVC) and association (AVC) visual cortex as complexity of visual scenes increase. AVC increased more rapidly with scene complexity than PVC and increased local metabolic activities above control subject with eyes closed; indicates wide range and metabolic reserve of visual…

Discusses research related to identifying early predictors of school success or intelligence. Reports on a study that suggested correlations exist between how babies process information (visual attentiveness) in the first six months of life and the child's performance on intelligence tests in school. (ML)

Results of discriminating and monitoring tasks indicate that performance deteriorates over time when a specific object must be distinguished from previously presented nonspecific objects in a display which changes quickly. The results offer a basis for distinguishing between perceptual and response processes underlying the vigilance decrement.…

Explains the hierarchic structure of the mammalian visual system. Proposes a model in which feedback pathways serve to modify sensory stimuli in ways that enhance and complete sensory input patterns. Investigates the functioning of the system through computer simulations. (ML)