Adapting terminology: clarifying prism adaptation vocabulary, concepts, and methods

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Motor Control
• Perception

Background:

• Visuo-motor coordination adapts to environmental changes.
• Prism adaptation (PA) is a long-standing research tool for studying adaptive processes.
• Inconsistent terminology in PA literature hinders clear communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and clarify common terms used in prism adaptation (PA) literature.
• To establish a consistent vocabulary for PA research.
• To facilitate unambiguous communication and comparisons in future PA studies.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive examination of previous prism adaptation (PA) studies.
• Analysis of terminology evolution and usage in PA literature.
• Development of a glossary with specifications for each term.

Main Results:

• Identified significant inconsistencies in PA terminology.
• Provided specifications for common PA terms, noting classical usage and recommendations.
• Created a glossary to aid researchers in understanding and using PA terminology.

Conclusions:

• A standardized vocabulary is crucial for consistent communication in prism adaptation (PA) research.
• The proposed glossary and recommendations will facilitate clearer comparisons between studies.
• Consistent terminology benefits both basic and clinical research in the field of PA.