Behavioral Changes after Prolonged Perceptual Deprivation (No Intrusions)

Abstract

16 Ss were placed individually in an isolation chamber under a condition of constant, unpatterned light and white noise for 1 wk. The severity of the condition was increased through the use of heavy gloves and the elimination of all intrusions during the isolation period. 12 Ss endured isolation for the full week. A battery of perceptual-motor tests was administered before and after the experience and 30 control Ss were also given the same tests and at the same time intervals. Increasing the severity of perceptual deprivation above that of our earlier experiments did not affect the incidence of hallucinations and post-isolation distortions of the perceptual environment. Both phenomena were rare. Brightness discrimination, size constancy, and kinesthetic acuity were not affected. However, the autokinetic effect was impaired while the tactual acuity of the forearm and index finger was increased significantly.