Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 11, 2026
09:47
A Method to Quantify Visual Information Processing in Children Using Eye Tracking
Published on: July 9, 2016
18.1K
Visual field asymmetries develop throughout adolescence
Marisa Carrasco1,2, Caroline Myers1,3, Mariel Roberts1,4
1Department of Psychology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA.
Iscience
|November 17, 2025
Summary
Visual perception in adolescents shows gradual development of horizontal-vertical anisotropy and vertical meridian asymmetry. These visual processing differences mature fully by late adolescence, matching adult levels.
Area of Science:
- Visual Neuroscience
- Human Perception
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Visual perception in adults exhibits horizontal-vertical anisotropy (HVA) and vertical meridian asymmetry (VMA).
- Children demonstrate HVA but lack VMA, suggesting developmental changes in visual processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental trajectory of HVA and VMA during adolescence.
- To determine if VMA emerges in adolescence or only in adulthood.
Main Methods:
- Assessed visual performance across different polar angles and meridians in adolescent participants.
- Quantified the extent of horizontal-vertical anisotropy (HVA) and vertical meridian asymmetry (VMA).
Main Results:
- Both HVA and VMA showed gradual development throughout the adolescent period.
- The magnitude of HVA and VMA in late adolescence approached that observed in adults.
Conclusions:
- Visual processing asymmetries (HVA and VMA) are not static but develop progressively during adolescence.
- The full emergence of VMA occurs during adolescence, not solely in adulthood.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
478
During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the...
478
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
8.8K
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
8.8K
01:12Visual Agnosia
920
Visual agnosia is a condition characterized by the inability to recognize visually presented objects despite having normal vision. For instance, a person with visual agnosia can describe the shape and color of an object but cannot identify or name it. This impairment does not affect their visual field, acuity, color vision, brightness discrimination, language, or memory. An example of this condition in a social setting is someone at a dinner party asking for "that silver thing with a round...
920
01:24Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition
272
A revisionist approach to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development has brought new insights that challenge and reinterpret his established ideas. Piaget proposed that the formal operational stage, emerging in adolescence, represents the culmination of cognitive maturity. During this stage, individuals are said to develop abstract thinking, engage in systematic problem-solving, and show a form of egocentrism, believing others are as preoccupied with their behavior as they are...
272
01:28Lateralization
949
Brain lateralization refers to the division of mental processes and functions between the two hemispheres of the brain, a phenomenon that optimizes neural efficiency and underpins complex abilities in humans. This specialization allows each hemisphere to perform tasks where it has a comparative advantage, facilitating more refined cognitive capabilities across different domains.
949
01:24Prosopagnosia
679
Prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness, is the inability to recognize faces. In severe cases, individuals with prosopagnosia may not recognize close family members, including parents and spouses, by their faces. For instance, someone with prosopagnosia might walk past their child in a crowd, only realizing their mistake upon noticing their child's distinctive backpack or favorite jacket. Prosopagnosia specifically impairs facial recognition, while the recognition of other objects or...
679