Global motion adaptation

Image motion is initially detected locally. Local motion signals are then integrated across space in order to specify the global motion of objects or surfaces. It is well known that prolonged exposure to motion causes adaptation at the local motion level. We have investigated whether adaptation also occurs at the global motion level. We have devised a global motion stimulus (a random dot kinematogram) which has equal motion energy in opposite directions but nonetheless gives rise to global motion perception. At the local motion level, adaptation to this stimulus should cause equal adaptation in both directions and should not give rise to an aftereffect. Any aftereffect seen must therefore be attributable to adaptation at the global motion level. We find that following adaptation to this stimulus, judgements of the perceived direction of a test pattern are systematically biased towards the direction opposite to the adapting direction, suggesting that adaptation does occur at a level of visual processing at which global motion is represented.