visual adaptation

the changes that occur in the visual system itself or in visual perception as a result of continuous stimulation. For example, the range of light intensities over which photoreceptors are responsive changes with prolonged exposure to dark, and many visual aftereffects are caused by adaptation of neurons within the visual system. See also dark adaptation; light adaptation.

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Psychology term of the day

November 19th 2024

summation effect

a feature of binocular cells in the visual cortex in which the activity of the cell is greater when stimulation occurs through both eyes than when stimulation occurs through one eye. A similar phenomenon occurs in the auditory system; when both ears are stimulated, there is a binaural summation effect of enhanced loudness.