Visual motion cues in prismatic adaptation: evidence of two separate and additive processes

The present study was based on the assumption that there are two visual channels which provide separate contributions to visuo-motor recalibration following prismatic displacement of the visual field. The functional properties of the two channels were assumed to conform to predictions from the two motion-analyzing systems models of visual motion perception. The results of the present study confirmed the predictions of the model. Whatever the type of illumination (continuous or stroboscopic) central vision utilizes only cues provided by visual exposure of the arm pointing to a stationary target. Peripheral vision utilizes only cues from visual exposure of the arm freely moving against the homogeneous background but this can be prevented by stroboscopic illumination. In peripheral vision, movement cues provided by exposure of a passively moved arm are not processed. In contrast, the processing of visual cues in central vision is unaffected by whether the movements are active or passive, provided that a stationary target is present. The effects of the two channels may be additive or competitive depending on the conditions. Experimental and theoretical implications are discussed.