This study explores possible links between ontogenetic and microgenetic cha
nge (Werner, 1948, 1957) in the perception of stimuli with multiple levels
of structure, Visual search for targets defined by local versus global stru
cture was examined in observers aged 6, 8, 10, and 22 years. Perceptual acc
ess to each level of structure was varied by using pattern elements of same
(easy) or opposite contrast polarity (hard); attentional processes were is
olated from sensory processes by varying the number of display items. The r
esults showed large improvements with age in search rates for global target
s, with search rates for local targets being more constant over age. This p
attern held regardless of whether perceptual access to a target was easy or
hard. These results support the view that the perception of local and glob
al structure involves different underlying processes.