Reviews research done on the nature of vision from a neurologic perspective. Proposes a multiplex filter model to explain patterns in the signals transmitted to the brain from the retina. Describes experiments done to test the model. (CW)

Dot patterns varying in type of symmetry (double, vertical and horizontal symmetry, and asymmetry) were presented tachistoscopically for 200 msec, followed by a patterned mask, to 16 subjects in each grade level: kindergarten, second, and fourth-grade. (Author/JH)

The functions of spaces between words in adult reading of text were investigated in three experiments. Results were consistent with a two-process theory in which filling parafoveal spaces disrupts guidance of the next eye movement and filling foveal spaces disrupts processing of the fixated word as well. (Author/RD)

Tachistoscopic tests to identify three-letter words and simple geometric shapes were administered to 64 Italian children, ages 7-8. Results showed no significant differences in visual perceptual threshold between the two hemifields for either test, which was interpreted as confirming a lesser and not definitely determined lateralization in…

A study involving eight youths and adults with retinitis pigmentosa (and only 20 degree visual field and hearing loss of at least 20 decibels) determined variance in the ability to perceive and comprehend visual stimuli presented by way of the manual modality when modifications were made in configuration, movement speed, movement size, and…

Among the findings were that there was no significant difference in performance between Down's syndrome, other mentally handicapped, and normal Ss matched for mental age, when extraneous developmental factors were eliminated; and that there was no relationship between mental age and visual perception in any group. (DLS)

Four experiments investigated newborns' ability to discriminate, recognize, and learn visual information embedded in the schematic face-like patterns preferred at birth. Results indicated that newborns discriminated face-like stimuli relying on their internal features and recognized a perceptual invariance between face-like configurations in…

Visual-spatial orienting in 10 high-functioning adults with autism was examined. Compared to controls, subjects responded faster to central than to lateral stimuli, and showed a left visual field advantage for stimulus detection only when laterally presented. Abnormalities in attention shifting and coordination of attentional and motor systems are…

Studied infant ability to extract depth information from a three-dimensional structure. Found evidence that 8-month-old infants distinguished between lines indicating edges, and lines indicating markings, and that they are able to use line junctions to perceive line drawings as depicting three-dimensional objects in the picture plane. (Author)