Locomotory space as a prerequisite for acquiring visually guided reaching in kittens.

Abstract

Reports results of an experiment with 12 visually-naive 5-12 wk. old kittens. Ss acquired guided reaching when provided with visual feedback from paw movements in an otherwise dark surround after, but not before, they had developed visually-guided locomotion. This sequence effect suggests that visual feedback from the forelimb is informative only within a body-centered spatial framework. A number of previous studies of adaptation to prismatic displacement of vision in humans are discussed. It is suggested that common constraints underlie certain results of the prism studies and the present evidence of a required sequence in acquisition of visually-guided behavior in the kitten. (16 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)