Adaptation and aftereffects in the visual system

O'Kane, Lisa (2007) Adaptation and aftereffects in the visual system. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with the investigation of the nature of adaptation and
aftereffects in the human visual system. We extend previous research first by
specifically investigating the temporal aspect of these processes. The technique we
develop and present here offers a method of measuring the temporal dynamics of
visual aftereffects which captures how the aftereffect is varying in both strength and
duration. In the first experimental chapter we present data following the application
of this technique to the Depth After Effect. We then go on to apply this technique to
the investigation of the Motion After Effect and in particular look at the temporal
dynamics of this effect using different stimuli during adaptation. The results of this
form the second and third experimental chapter of this thesis. Having addressed
aspects of the nature of visual aftereffects to both motion and disparity, we then
present an experiment looking at adaptation to both motion and disparity, and the
effect this has on an ambiguous stimuli, that of a transparent surface. We found that
observers' biases for which direction of motion moved in front was influenced in a
manner mostly consistent with a depth-contingent motion aftereffect following
adaptation. These results emphasize the critical role of neural structures sensitive to
both motion and binocular disparity in the perception of motion transparency. In
summary, this thesis addresses the nature of visual aftereffects and also presents a
method of measuring how they vary with time.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
• Supervisor's Name: Mamassian, Pascal and Simmons, David
• Date of Award: 2007
• Depositing User: Ms Mary Anne Meyering
• Unique ID: glathesis:2007-4969
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 21 Feb 2014 10:15
• Last Modified: 21 Feb 2014 10:19
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/4969