RT Journal Article
A1 Szpiro, Sarit F. A.
A1 Spering, Miriam
A1 Carrasco, Marisa
T1 Perceptual learning modifies untrained pursuit eye movements
JF Journal of Vision
JO Journal of Vision
YR 2014
DO 10.1167/14.8.8
VO 14
IS 8
SP 8
OP 8
SN 1534-7362
AB   Perceptual learning improves detection and discrimination of relevant visual information in mature humans, revealing sensory plasticity. Whether visual perceptual learning affects motor responses is unknown. Here we implemented a protocol that enabled us to address this question. We tested a perceptual response (motion direction estimation, in which observers overestimate motion direction away from a reference) and a motor response (voluntary smooth pursuit eye movements). Perceptual training led to greater overestimation and, remarkably, it modified untrained smooth pursuit. In contrast, pursuit training did not affect overestimation in either pursuit or perception, even though observers in both training groups were exposed to the same stimuli for the same time period. A second experiment revealed that estimation training also improved discrimination, indicating that overestimation may optimize perceptual sensitivity. Hence, active perceptual training is necessary to alter perceptual responses, and an acquired change in perception suffices to modify pursuit, a motor response. 
RD 4/14/2021
UL https://doi.org/10.1167/14.8.8