The theory of sensory compensation was examined in a recognition task with blind and sighted subjects. Free-form shapes were explored visually and tactually, with recognition trials conducted 48 hours later. Blind subjects recognized the shapes tactually as well as sighted subjects did visually, and better than normally sighted and partially sighted with tactual exploration. Blind subjects spend a significantly longer time exploring the objects in the recognition session, supporting the idea that compensation takes place through increased attention.
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