Dorsal stream perceptual learning is highly related to critical flicker fusion thresholds

Abstract

Critical flicker fusion threshold (CFFT) is the lowest level of continuous flicker that is perceived as a steady source of light and has historically been shown to be remarkably stable within and across multiple days of testing. Recently, however, perceptual learning has been shown to be related to increases in CFFT. The current study was designed to test the relationship between incremental stages of subliminal learning and increases in CFFT. Twenty subjects experienced varying levels of exposure to an established subliminal learning paradigm. Neural plasticity was instigated and measured with a Dynamic Random-Dot Display computer program. A Macular Pigment Densitometer was used to determine CFFT. Herein we present evidence that subjects who demonstrate an increase in performance on a motion-recognition task, also displayed an increase in CFFTs (an average of 10%). This correlation only occurred in subjects who experienced perceptual learning. Subjects who completed tasks without expressing improvement in motion-detection did not show a significant increase in their CFFT. These results imply that dorsal stream perceptual learning is highly related CFFT.