Improvement of Recognition on a Multi-Modal Pattern Discrimination Test

Abstract

A multi-modal test of pattern discrimination, including vision, hearing, active and passive touch, is described. It measures changes in veridicality of recognition as a result of two kinds of treatment: variation in pattern definition or context and practice effects. The test consists essentially of stable familiar geometrical figures in the foreground against a background of graduated “noise” in the same modality as the embedded figure. 240 Ss, divided into four groups (one of each modality) were employed. Ss were exposed to corrective feedback, repeated exposure or a control condition and to a random presentation of varying background for each of the foreground figures in a particular modality. Results indicated that both practice and background noise level affected veridicality of recognition.