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The effect of practice on age differences in central perceptual processing.

C K Hertzog, M V Williams, D A Walsh

Journal of Gerontology

|July 1, 1976

Summary

Practice improves visual perception similarly in older and younger adults, showing no age-related decline in adaptability. This study assessed practice effects in a dichoptic masking paradigm across age groups.

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Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Neuroscience
Human Aging Research

Background:

Central perceptual processing speed can differ between age groups.
Adaptability of perceptual processes may also vary with age.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of practice on performance in a dichoptic masking task.
To compare practice-induced improvements in perceptual processing between young and older adults.
To determine if practice can reduce age-related differences in perceptual speed.

Main Methods:

Utilized a dichoptic masking paradigm to assess visual perception.
Included two age groups: young adults (mean age 18.8) and older adults (mean age 66.5).
Measured the change in stimulus onset asynchrony required to escape masking after practice.

Main Results:

Practice reliably reduced the required stimulus onset asynchrony for both age groups.
The magnitude of improvement due to practice was equivalent across young and older adults.
This suggests practice did not ameliorate pre-existing age differences in processing speed.

Conclusions:

Practice demonstrates equivalent benefits for perceptual performance in both young and older adults.
Findings indicate no age-related decline in the adaptability of central perceptual processes.
The study highlights the potential for practice to enhance visual perception across the adult lifespan.

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