What limits global motion processing in development? An equivalent noise approach C Manning1, M S Tibber2, S C Dakin2, E Pellicano1 |
|---|
1Centre for Research in Autism and Education, Institute of Education, University of London, United Kingdom |
| The development of motion processing is a critical aspect of visual development, allowing children to interact with moving objects and move around in a dynamic environment. Despite this importance, global motion processing abilities, as assessed with the motion coherence paradigm, develop reasonably late, reaching adult-like levels only by mid-to-late childhood [Gunn et al., 2002, Neuroreport, 13(6), 843-847]. However, the reasons underlying this protracted developmental trajectory are not yet fully understood. In this study, we sought to determine whether performance in childhood is limited by sensitivity to local motion direction (internal noise) and/or the ability to pool estimates at the global level (sampling efficiency). To this end, we presented equivalent noise direction discrimination and motion coherence paradigms tasks at both slow (1.5 deg/sec) and fast (6 deg/sec) stimulus speeds to 5-, 7-, 9-and 11-year-olds and adults. Our data suggest that improved motion coherence thresholds through childhood are accompanied by reductions in internal noise and gains in sampling efficiency. Developmental improvements in global motion perception therefore appear to be driven by changes in both local and global processes. |
| Up Home |
|---|