Processing visual information: flicker fusion

Psychology researchers have linked sensory function to congnitive function in an interesting new study:

researchers from UGA's Neuropsychology and Memory Assessment Laboratory and Vision Sciences Laboratory collaborated to use a method based on measuring processing speed through sight. Catherine Mewborn, a doctoral candidate in UGA's Franklin College of Arts and Sciences department of psychology, led the study.

"We knew that sensory function is important for cognitive function, and we had a unique opportunity with this collaboration," said Mewborn, who works in the Neuropsychology and Memory Assessment Laboratory under the mentorship of L. Stephen Miller.

The device they used tests processing speed by measuring an individual's critical flicker fusion.

Participants in the study looked into a device that was created for the purpose of this study. Inside the device, two wavelengths of light would alternate flashing, making it seem as though the light they were looking at was flickering on and off.

The simple accuracy of speeding up the flicker until it presents as a constant image could be a breakthrough method for measuring congintive function, allowing the researchers to access some of the "fundamentals of cognition," according to Dr. Hammond.

Great work. Our psychology investigators in many different areas of inquiry continue to present some of the most robust research results on this or any campus. What pushes these labs to the forefront is great faculty attracting the best graduate students. 

Image: Psychology doctorial candidate Catherine Mewborn, courtesy of UGA photo services.