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Visual reaction time as a function of locus, area, and complexity of stimulus

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Summary

Reaction time (RT) of normal subjects to square-wave gratings of two different frequencies were related to locus of presentation, area, and stimulus complexity. Each frequency was presented to either side of the horizontal meridian (half size stimulus) or both sides simultaneously (full size stimulus). The two different frequencies were also flashed simultaneously to both hemifields (compound stimulus). Stimulus position affected RT with the 1 c/deg stimulus, RT being faster for the lower hemifield. With presentation on both sides of the horizontal meridian simultaneously or of the two spatial frequencies, the resulting RT was equal to that of the faster component. Implications of the results for the functional organization of the visual system are discussed.

Zusammenfassung

Reaktionszeiten gesunder Versuchspersonen nach optischer Kontraststreifenreizung mit zwei verschiedenen Ortsfrequenzen (1 und 3 Perioden/Grad) wurden nach Ort, Größe und Komplexheit des Reizes verglichen. Jede der Ortsfrequenzen wurde entweder nur im oberen oder unteren Gesichtsfeld dargeboten oder aber in beiden Halbfeldern gleichzeitig. Außerdem wurden beide Reize gemeinsam in beiden Halbfeldern appliziert. Die Reaktionszeit wurde durch den Reizort bei einer Ortsfrequenz von einer Periode/° Reiz beeinflußt, mit kürzeren Reaktionszeiten im unteren Halbfeld. Bei gleichzeitiger Reizung im oberen und unteren Gesichtsfeld mit derselben oder verschiedenen Ortsfrequenzen entsprach die Reaktionszeit derjenigen der schnelleren Komponente. Ausdehnung und Komplexität hatten nur geringen Einfluß.

Die Bedeutung der Ergebnisse für die funktionelle Organisation des Sehsystems, für Asymmetrien der Gesichtsfelder bei Teilfeldreizen und für pathologische Veränderungen wird diskutiert.

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Tartaglione, A., Favale, E. & Benton, A. Visual reaction time as a function of locus, area, and complexity of stimulus. Arch. Psychiat. Nervenkr. 227, 59–69 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00585678

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00585678

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