Perception and action in human visual behaviour

Humans interact with objects all the time. Vision is the sense that is most commonly used to acquire information about objects. Although we have learned a great deal about the visual control of action over the last decade, we are still far from a complete understanding. Interestingly, research has shown that our perception of objects is quite distinct from our ability to interact with those objects. For example, perceptual illusions do not typically affect our actions even though they create biases in our perception of the target object's features. The situation changes, however, when people interact with objects that are blocked from view, or that are viewed with one eye closed. In these situations, perception of the object seems to be more important for guiding action. The studies to be carried out here will help to understand the complex interactions between conscious perception and visual control of action. Fundamental understanding of these interactions may help to provide guidance to rehabilitation therapists working with individuals who have visual or neurological disorders.