Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Spatial frequency discrimination learning in normal and developmentally impaired human vision

Astle, Andrew T.; Webb, Ben S.; McGraw, Paul V.

Spatial frequency discrimination learning in normal and developmentally impaired human vision Thumbnail


Authors

Andrew T. Astle

Ben S. Webb

Paul V. McGraw



Abstract

Perceptual learning effects demonstrate that the adult visual system retains neural plasticity. If perceptual learning holds any value as a treatment tool for amblyopia, trained improvements in performance must generalise. Here we investigate whether spatial frequency discrimination learning generalises within task to other spatial frequencies, and across task to contrast sensitivity. Before and after training, we measured contrast sensitivity and spatial frequency discrimination (at a range of reference frequencies 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 c/deg). During training, normal and amblyopic observers were divided into three groups. Each group trained on a spatial frequncy discrimination task at one reference frequency (2, 4, or 8 c/deg). Normal and amblyopic observers who trained at lower frequencies showed a greater rate of within task learning (at their reference frequency) compared to those trained at higher frequencies. Compared to normals, amblyopic observers showed greater within task learning, at the trained reference frequency. Normal and amblyopic observers showed asymmetrical transfer of learning from high to low spatial frequencies. Both normal and amblyopic subjects showed transfer to contrast sensitivity. The direction of transfer for contrast sensitivity measurements was from the trained spatial frequency to higher frequencies, with the bandwidth and magnitude of transfer greater in the amblyopic observers compared to normals. The findings provide further support for the therapeutic efficacy of this approach and establish general principles that may help develop more effective protocols for the treatment of developmental visual deficits.

Citation

Astle, A. T., Webb, B. S., & McGraw, P. V. (2010). Spatial frequency discrimination learning in normal and developmentally impaired human vision. Vision Research, 50(23), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.visres.2010.09.004

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 31, 2010
Publication Date Nov 23, 2010
Deposit Date Oct 24, 2016
Publicly Available Date Oct 24, 2016
Journal Vision Research
Print ISSN 0042-6989
Electronic ISSN 1878-5646
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 50
Issue 23
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.visres.2010.09.004
Keywords Amblyopia; Perceptual learning; Spatial frequency; Discrimination; Detection
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/706908
Publisher URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042698910004384
Contract Date Oct 24, 2016

Files





Downloadable Citations