
Touch, Representation, and Blindness
Morton A. Heller(Editor)
Oxford University Press
Published on 23. March 2000
Book
Paperback/Softback
236 pages
978-0-19-850387-3 (ISBN)
Description
Psychological studies of touch and blindness have been fraught with controversy. Within this field there remains an important theoretical divide. Many researchers have taken a cognitive approach to the study of touch and blindness, relating these to higher order processes, such as memory and concept formation. Others adopt a theoretical perspective, arguing that it not necessary to consider the 'internal representation' of the stimuli, when investigating touch - thus people make use of information from the physical biomechanical properties of their limbs as they assess the physical properties of objects. In addition, psychologists differ in the relative importance they place on the modality of sensory stimulation for subsequent perceptual experiences. Some psychologists argue that touch can do many of the things that are accomplished by vision, and claim that the mode of sensory stimulation is not critically important for perception, arguing that much information can be obtained through non-visual modalities. Others suggest that there are important consequences of a lack of visual experience, arguing for the importance of multiple forms of sensory input for conceptual development. New to the Debates in Psychology series, Touch, Representation, and Blindness brings together the leading investigators in these areas, each presenting the evidence for their side of the debate. An introductory chapter sets the theoretical and historical stage for the debate, and a concluding chapter draws together the different views and ideas set forth by the contributors, summarizing and resolving the discussion.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
line figures
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
365 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-850387-3 (9780198503873)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Editor
Department of PsychologyDepartment of Psychology, Eastern Illinois University
Content
Introduction: the theoretical context for the dialog ; Rotational invariants and dynamic touch ; Recognizing outline pictures via touch: alignment theory ; Modality and mind: convergent active processing in interrelated networks as a model of development and perception by touch ; Mental imagery in blind people: the role of passive and active visuospatial processes ; Conclusions: the San Marino discussion