Acquisition and retention of perceptual learning and the horizontal-vertical illusion.

The present study examined procedure-specific differences in the acquisition and retention of perceptual learning using four forms of the Horizontal-Vertical illusion. Training to criterion was conducted using intertrial feedback, continued visual inspection, or yoked-control procedures. Retention of perceptual learning was assessed at posttraining intervals ranging from 1 minute to 1 month. Subjects trained with feedback achieved criterion in fewer trials and showed greater accuracy and short-term retention of perceptual learning on the inverted-T figure and the 1-in. vertical line-production task. The present results show that the correction of inaccurate strategic factors most likely represents the temporary acquisition of compensatory strategies that facilitate performance on simple perceptual-motor skills tasks.