EARLY-BLIND SUBJECTS SPATIAL REPRESENTATION OF MANIPULATORY SPACE - EXPLORATORY STRATEGIES AND REACTION TO CHANGE

The present study was aimed at analysing the effects of a lack of visu al experience in human subjects on the detection and identification of a spatial change brought about to a configuration of objects displaye d in manipulatory space. Exploratory patterns and performance levels w ere recorded. Learning effects were observed in different types of cha nge and condition of presentation only in the early-blind and blindfol ded sighted groups, but not in the late-blind group. Early blindness a ffected both exploratory patterns and performance levels. In addition, significant correlations were found between performance level and the use of systematic patterns of exploration. These data are discussed i n relation with the importance of early vision during the development of spatial cognition.