Adaptation to Displaced Vision as a Function of Direction of Hand Movement

Abstract

Two groups of Ss adapted to prismatically displaced vision while moving their arms. The group which moved their arms vertically against a vertical target adapted more completely than a group moving their arms laterally against the same target when a trial-by-trial record was made of adaptation. However, these differences are absent when aftereffects are used as the criterion of adaptation. The findings can be interpreted to mean the background as well as the direction of hand movements is important in adaptation and that aftereffects may be a poor criterion by which to assess the effects of variables on adaptation.