The Journal of Neuroscience, June 4, 2008, 28(23):5954-5958; doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0578-08.2008
Previous Article | Next Article 
Behavioral/Systems/Cognitive
Perceived Size and Spatial Coding
Derek H. Arnold,
Annette Birt, and
Thomas S. A. Wallis
School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
Correspondence should be addressed to Derek H. Arnold at the above address. Email: darnold{at}psy.uq.edu.au
Images of the same physical dimensions on the retina can appear to represent different-sized objects. One reason for this is that the human visual system can take viewing distance into account when judging apparent size. Sequentially presented images can also prompt spatial coding interactions. Here we show, using a spatial coding phenomenon (the tilt aftereffect) in tandem with viewing distance cues, that the tuning of such interactions is not simply determined by the physical dimensions of retinal input. Rather, we find that they are contingent on apparent size. Our data therefore reveal that spatial coding interactions in human vision are modulated by processes involved in the determination of apparent size.
Key words: spatial coding; perceived size; retinotopy; tilt aftereffect; size distance invariance; perception
Received Oct. 15, 2007;
revised April 9, 2008;
accepted April 12, 2008.
Correspondence should be addressed to Derek H. Arnold at the above address. Email: darnold{at}psy.uq.edu.au