Post-surgery perception of subjective contour figures in the cases of the congenitally blind

SHUKO TORII; TOSHIKO MOCHIZUKI

doi:10.4992/psycholres1954.37.146

Author information

Keywords: congenital blindness, subjective contour, post-surgery perception, separation of figure-ground, visual deprivation

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

1995 Volume 37 Issue 3 Pages 146-157

DOI https://doi.org/10.4992/psycholres1954.37.146

Details

Published: October 25, 1995 Received: February 14, 1994 Available on J-STAGE: February 24, 2009 Accepted: September 03, 1994 Advance online publication: - Revised: -
Correction information
Date of correction: February 24, 2009 Reason for correction: - Correction: ABSTRACT Details: Wrong : The present experiment was planned to examine whether or not the congenitally blind after surgery were capable of seeing the subjective contour, when Kanizsa's original and a modified version of it were presented for the first time. Three subjects (M. O., To. M. and K. T.) who have continued a series of experiments for visual learning with us participated in the experimental runs. All subjects have already attained the ability to identify the 2D shape and solids. Initially it was expected that the subject's response could be classified as indicating that the subjective contours were seen or that they were not. However, it was found that (1) at least another two classes of responses should he added, and (2) that the commonly reported phenomenon of subjective contours in the normally sighted was rare in the congenitally blind subjects after surgery. A theoretical implication of the results is briefly discussed.
Right : The present experiment was planned to examine whether or not the congenitally blind after surgery were capable of seeing the subjective contour, when Kanizsa's original and a modified version of it were presented for the first time. Three subjects (M.O., To. M. and K. T.) who have continued a series of experiments for visual learning with us participated in the experimental runs. All subjects have already attained the ability to identify the 2D shape and solids. Initially it was expected that the subject's response could be classified as indicating that the subjective contours were seen or that they were not. However, it was found that (1) at least another two classes of responses should he added, and (2) that the commonly reported phenomenon of subjective contours in the normally sighted was rare in the congenitally blind subjects after surgery. A theoretical implication of the results is briefly discussed.

Date of correction: February 24, 2009 Reason for correction: - Correction: AFFILIATION Details: Wrong :
1) Department of Psychology. University of the Sacred Heart
2) Department of Psychology, Japan Women's University

Right :
1) Department of Psychology, University of the Sacred Heart
2) Department of Psychology, Japan Women's University

Date of correction: February 24, 2009 Reason for correction: - Correction: CITATION Details: Wrong : Ackroyd. C., Humphrey. N. K., & Warrington, E. K. 1974 Lasting effects of early blindness: A case study. Quarterly Journal of Evperimental Psychology, 26, 114-124.
Bradley, D. R., & Dumais, S. T. 1975 Ambiguous cognitive contours. Nature, 257, 582-584.
Bradley. D. R., & Dumais, S. T. 1984 The effect of illumination level and retinal size on the depth stratification of subjective contour figures. Perception, 13, 155-164.
Bradley. D. R.. & Mates, S. M. 1985 Perceptual organization and apparent brightness in subjective contour figures. Perception, 14, 645-653.
Bradley. D. R.. & Petry, H. M. 1977 Organizational determinants of subjective contour: the subjective Necker cube. American Journal of Psychology, 90, 253-262.
Carlson, S., & Hyvärinen, L. 1983 Visual rehabilitation after long lasting early blindness. Acta Ophthalmologica, 61, 701-713.
Fisher. J. H. 1914 Observations of the learning of vision, after a successful operation, at the age of six years, in a congenitally blind patient. Ophthalmic Review, 33, 161-165.
Gregory, R. L., & Wallace, J. G. 1963 Recovery from early blindness: A case study. Experimental Psychology Society Monograph, 2, 1-46.
Hebb, D. O. 1937 The innate organization of visual activity: I. Perception of figures by rats reared in total darkness. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 51, 101-126.
Hebb, D. O. 1949 The organization of behavior: A neuropsychological theory. New York: Wiley.
Kanizsa, G. 1976 Subjective contours. Scientific American, 234, 48-52.
Kanizsa, G. 1979 Organization in vision: Essays on Gestalt perception. New York: Praeger.
Kuroda, R. 1930 A report of investigations dealing with a new case of cataracta congenita in a lady, who gained sight by successful operation at her fourty-second year. Acta Psychologica Keijo, 1, 17-42. (In Japanese with English summary).
Latta, R. 1904 Notes on a case of successful operation for congenital cataract in an adult. British Journal of Psychology, 1, 135-150.
Mochizuki, T. 1979 Depth perception of the early blind after surgery. Proceedings of the Department of Education in Japan Women's University. 15, 8-31. (In Japanese)
Mochizuki, T. 1981 Acquisition process of color perception after surgery. Proceedings of the Faculty of Homeeconomics in Japan Women's University, 28, 31-41. (In Japanese with English summary)
Mochizuki, T. 1989 Perceptual characteristics of visual space in the early blind after surgery. Japanese Journal of Psychonomic Science, 7, 53-70. (In Japanese with English summary)
Mochizuki, T. 1994 Perception of subjective con tour-Comparative study of visual and tactual scanning. Journal of the Faculty of Integrated Arts and Social Sciences in Japan Women's University, 4, 55-67. (In Japanese)
Mochizuki, T., & Torii, S. 1987 Vision in nonverbal communication. -A functional perspective-. Japanese Psychological Review, 30, 49-84. (In Japanese with English summary).
Mochizuki, T., & Torii, S. 1988 Visual depth perception in the early blind after surgery. Abstract of XXIVth International Congress of Psychology. T. 270.
Mochizuki. T., & Torii, S. 1992 Perception of mirror image in a case of the blind after surgery. International Journal of Psychology. 27, 37. (Abstract)
Pokrovski_??_. A. I. 1953 On the development of visual perceptions and judgements in the postoperative newly seeing in the light of works of I. P. Pavlov. Vestnik Oftalmologii, 32 (6), 6-17. (London, I. D. 1960 Russian report on the postoperative newly seeing. American Journal of Psychology, 73, 178-182.)
Rock. I. 1987 A problem-solving approach to illusory contours. In S. Petry & G. E. Meyer (Eds.), The perception of illusory contours. New York Springer-Verlag. Pp. 62-70.
Sasaki. M., Yagi. F., Torii. S., & Mochizuki, T. 1991 The formation of the visual world: The acqusition processes of visual functions of identifying various patterns after operation for congenital cataract. Proceedings of the 17th Sensory Substitution Symposium, 85-88.
Senden, M. von 1932 Raum- und Gestaltauffassung bei operierten Blindgeborenen vor und nach der Operation. Leibzig: Barth. (Trs. by P. Heath 1960 Space and sight. London: Methuen.)
Torii, S. 1979 The world of vision. Tokyo: Koseikan. (In Japanese)
Torii, S. 1982 Psychology of vision. Tokyo: Saiensusha. (In Japanese)
Torii, S. 1986 Perception of superposition of figures after a successful operation for congenital cataract in an adult. Proceedings of the Department of Humanities in the University of Tokyo. 86, 39-92. (In Japanese)
Torii, S., & Mochizuki. T. 1992 Formation of visual perception, I. Tokyo: Baifukan. (In Japanese)
Umezu, H., Torii, S., & Uemura, Y. 1975 Postoperative formation of visual perception in the early blind. Psychologia, 18, 171-186.
Umezu, H., Torii, S., & Uemura, Y. 1987 Activity of sign system of the early blind in the initial stage after operation. Japanese Journal of Psychonomic Science, 6, 67-78. (In Japanese with English summary)
Umezu, H., Torii, S., & Uemura, Y. 1990 Activity of sign system of the early blind after operation (1): Localization of a patch and discrimination of its color in vision-sign system activity. Japanese Journal of Psychonomic Science. 8, 69-82. (In Japanese with English summary)
Umezu, H., Torii, S., & Uemura, Y. 1991 Activity of sign system of the early blind after operation (2): Exploration of the figure-area and shape discrimination in vision-sign system activity. Japanese Journal of Psychonomic Science, 9, 73-84. (In Japanese with English summary)
Umezu, H., Torii., S., & Uemura, Y. 1993 Activity of sign system of the early blind after operation (3): Exploration of the tigure-area and direction discrimination in vision-sign system activitiy. Japanese Journal of Psychonomic Science. 12, 17-37. (In Japanese with English summary)
Valvo, A. 1968 Behavior patterns and visual rehabilitation after early and long-lasting blindness. American Journal of Ophthalmology, 65, 19-24.
Valvo A. 1971 Sight restoration after long-term blindness: The problems and behavior patterns of visual rehabilitation. New York: American Foundation for the Blind.
Wallach, H., & Slaughter, V. 1988 The role of memory in perceiving subjective contours. Perception & Psychophysics, 43, 101-106.
Warm. J. S., Dember, W. N., Padich, R. A., Bekner, J., & Jones, S. 1987 The role of illumination level in the strength of subjective contours. In S. Petry & G. E. Meyer (Eds.), The perception of illusory contours. New York. Springer-Verlag. Pp. 174-182.
Yasuma, T., Toyama, K., Torii, S., & Mochizuki, T. 1977 Observations on the postoperative formation process of visual perception in the early blind. Japanese Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 31, 389-399. (In Japanese with English summary)

Right : Ackroyd. C., Humphrey. N. K., & Warrington, E. K. 1974 Lasting effects of early blindness: A ease study. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 26, 114-124.
Bradley, D. R., & Dumais, S.T. 1975 Ambiguous cognitive contours. Nature, 257, 582-584.
Bradley, D. R., & Dumais, S.T. 1984 The effect of illumination level and retinal size on the depth stratification of subjective contour figures. Perception, 13, 155-164.
Bradley. D. R. & Mates, S. M. 1985 Perceptual organization and apparent brightness in subjective contour figures. Perception, 14, 645-653
Bradley, D. R. & Petry, H.M. 1977 Organizational determinants of subjective contour: the subjective Necker cube. American Journal of Psychology, 90, 253-262.
Carlson, S., & Hvvarinen, L. 1983 Visual rehabilitation after long lasting early blindness. Acta Ophrhalmologica, 61, 701-713.
Fisher. J. H. 1914 Observations of the learning of vision, after a successful operation, at the age of six years, in a congenitally blind patient. Ophthalmic Review, 33, 161-165.
Gregory, R. L. & Wallace, J. G. 1963 Recovery from early blindness: A case study. Experimental Psychology Society Monograph, 2, 1-46.
Hebb, D. O. 1937 The innate organization of visual activity: I. Perception of figures by rats reared in total darkness. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 51, 101-126.
Hebb, D. O. 1949 The organization of behavior: A neuropspcholo, gical theory. New York: Wiley.
Kanizsa, G. 1976 Subjective contours. Scientific American, 234, 48-52.
Kanizsa, G. 1979 Organization in vision: Essays on Gestalt perception. New York: Praeger.
Kuroda, R. 1930 A report of investigations dealing with a new case of cataraeta congenita in a lady, who gained sight by successful operation at her fourty-second year. Acta P. svcholaglea Keijo, 1, 17-42. (In Japanese with English summary).
Latta, R. 1904 Notes on a case of successful operation for congenital Cataract in an adult. British Journal of Psychology, 1, 135-150.
Mochizuki, T. 1979 Depth perception of the early blind after surgery. Proceedings. of the Department of Education in Japan Women's University, 15, 8-31. (In Japanese)
Mochizuki, T. 1981 Acquisition process of color perception after surgery. Proceedings of the Faculty of Home economics in Japan Women's University, 28, 31-41. (In Japanese with English summary)
Mochizuki, T. 1989 Perceptual characteristics of visual space in the early blind after surgery. Japanese Journal of Ps_vchonoauc Science, 7, 53-70.(In Japanese with English summary)
Mochizuki, T. 1994 Perception of subjective contour-Comparative study of visual and tactual scanning. Journal of the Faculty of Integrated Arts and Social Sciences in Japan Women's University, 4, 55-67. (In Japanese)
Mochizuki, T., & Torii, S.1987 Vision in nonverbal communication.-A functional perspective. Japanese Psychological Retieu', 30, 49-84. (In Japanese with English summary).
Mochizuki, T., & Torii, S. 1988 Visual depth perception in the early blind after sur_erv. Abstract of XXI Vth International Congress of Psychology, T.270.
Mochiznki. T., & Torii, S. 1992 Perception of mirror image in a case of the blind after surgery. International Journal of Psychology, 27, 37. (Abstract)
Pokrovskii, A. I. 1953 On the development if visual perceptions and judgements in the postoperative newly seeing in the light of works of I. P. Patlov. Vesrnik Oftatmologii. 32 (6), 6-17.
London, I. D. 1960 Russian report on the postoperative newly seeing.American Journal of Psychology, 73, 178-182.
Rock. I. 1987 A problem-solving approach to illusory contours. In S. Petry & G. E. Meyer (Eds.), The perceptiori of illusory contours. New York Springer-Verlag. Pp.62-70.
Sasaki. M. Yagi, F. Torii. S., & Mochizuki, T. 1991 The formation of the visual world: The acqusit ion processes of visual functions of identifying various patterns after operation for congenital cataract. Proceedings of the 17th Sensory Substitution Stvnposium, 85-88.
Senden, M. von 1932 Rcatnt-und Gestaltauffassung bei operierten Blindgeborenen vor and nach der Operation. Leibzig: Barth.(Trs. by P.Heath 1960 Space and sight. London. Alethuen.)
Torii, S. 1979 The world of vision. Tokyo: Kitseikan. (In Japanese)
Torii, S. 1982 Psychology of vision. Tokyo: Saiensushu. (In Japanese)
Torii. S. 1986 Perception of superposition of figures after a successful operation for congenital cataract in an adult. Proceedings of the Department of Humanities in the University of Tokyo, 86, 39-92. (In Japanese)
Torii, S., & Mochizuki, T. 1992 Formation of visual perception, I. Tokyo: Baifukan. (In Japanese)
Umezu, H., Torii, S., & Uemura, Y. 1975 Postoperative formation of visual perception in the early blind. Psvchologia, 18, 171-186.
Umezu, H., Torii, S., & Uemura, Y. 1987 Activity of sign system of the early blind in the initial stage after operation. Julttutesc Journal of Psychonomic Science, 6, 67-78. (In Japanese with English summary)
Umezu, II., Torii, S., & Ueinura, Y. 1990 Activity of sign system of the early blind after operation (1): Localization of a patch and discrimination of its color in vision-sign system activity. Japanese Journal of Pcvchottomic Science, 8, 69-82. (In Japanese with English summary)
Umezu, H., Torii, S., & Uemura, Y. 1991 Activity of sign system of the early blind after operation (2): Exploration of the figure-area and shape discrimination in vision-sign system activity. Japanese Journal of Psvchonontic Science, 9, 73-84 (In Japanese woh English summary)
Umezu, H., Torii., S. & Uemura, Y. 1993 Activity of sign system of the early blind after operation (3): Exploration of the figure-area and direction docrimination in vision-sign system activitiy. Japanese Journal of Psis honomic Science. 12, 17-37. (In Japanese with English suminary)
Valvo, A. 1908 Behavior patterns and visual rehabilitation after early and long-lasting blindness. Antericwi journal of Ophuhahnologv, 65, 19-24.
Valvo, A. 1971 Sight restoration otter long-term blindness: The problem.c and behavior patients of visual rehabilitation. New York: American Foundation for the Blind.
Wallach, H., & Slaughter, V. 1988 The role of memory in perceiving subjective contours. Perception & Psrchopin sics, 43, 101-100.
Warm, J. S., Dember, W. N., Padich, R. A., Bekner, J., & Jones, S. 1987 The role of illumination level in the strength of subjective contours. In S.Petry & G. E. Meyer (Eds.), The perception of illusory contours. New York: Springer-Verlag. pp.174-182.
Yasuma, T., Toyama, K., Torn, S., & Mochizuki, T. 1977 Observations on the postoperative formation process of visual perception in the early blind. Japanese Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 31. 389-399. (In Japanese with English summary)

Date of correction: February 24, 2009 Reason for correction: - Correction: PDF FILE Details: -

Date of correction: February 24, 2009 Reason for correction: - Correction: ABSTRACT Details: Wrong : The present experiment was planned to examine whether or not the congenitally blind after surgery were capable of seeing the subjective contour, when Kanizsa's original and a modified version of it were presented for the first time. Three subjects (M.O., To. M. and K. T.) who have continued a series of experiments for visual learning with us participated in the experimental runs. All subjects have already attained the ability to identify the 2D shape and solids. Initially it was expected that the subject's response could be classified as indicating that the subjective contours were seen or that they were not. However, it was found that (1) at least another two classes of responses should he added, and (2) that the commonly reported phenomenon of subjective contours in the normally sighted was rare in the congenitally blind subjects after surgery. A theoretical implication of the results is briefly discussed.
Right : The present experiment was planned to examine whether or not the congenitally blind after surgery were capable of seeing the subjective contour, when Kanizsa's original and a modified version of it were presented for the first time. Three subjects (M. O., To. M. and K. T.) who have continued a series of experiments for visual learning with us participated in the experimental runs. All subjects have already attained the ability to identify the 2D shape and solids. Initially it was expected that the subject's response could be classified as indicating that the subjective contours were seen or that they were not. However, it was found that (1) at least another two classes of responses should be added, and (2) that the commonly reported phenomenon of subjective contours in the normally sighted was rare in the congenitally blind subjects after surgery. A theoretical implication of the results is briefly discussed.

Date of correction: February 24, 2009 Reason for correction: - Correction: CITATION Details: Wrong : Ackroyd. C., Humphrey. N. K., & Warrington, E. K. 1974 Lasting effects of early blindness: A ease study. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 26, 114-124.
Bradley, D. R., & Dumais, S.T. 1975 Ambiguous cognitive contours. Nature, 257, 582-584.
Bradley, D. R., & Dumais, S.T. 1984 The effect of illumination level and retinal size on the depth stratification of subjective contour figures. Perception, 13, 155-164.
Bradley. D. R. & Mates, S. M. 1985 Perceptual organization and apparent brightness in subjective contour figures. Perception, 14, 645-653
Bradley, D. R. & Petry, H.M. 1977 Organizational determinants of subjective contour: the subjective Necker cube. American Journal of Psychology, 90, 253-262.
Carlson, S., & Hvvarinen, L. 1983 Visual rehabilitation after long lasting early blindness. Acta Ophrhalmologica, 61, 701-713.
Fisher. J. H. 1914 Observations of the learning of vision, after a successful operation, at the age of six years, in a congenitally blind patient. Ophthalmic Review, 33, 161-165.
Gregory, R. L. & Wallace, J. G. 1963 Recovery from early blindness: A case study. Experimental Psychology Society Monograph, 2, 1-46.
Hebb, D. O. 1937 The innate organization of visual activity: I. Perception of figures by rats reared in total darkness. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 51, 101-126.
Hebb, D. O. 1949 The organization of behavior: A neuropspcholo, gical theory. New York: Wiley.
Kanizsa, G. 1976 Subjective contours. Scientific American, 234, 48-52.
Kanizsa, G. 1979 Organization in vision: Essays on Gestalt perception. New York: Praeger.
Kuroda, R. 1930 A report of investigations dealing with a new case of cataraeta congenita in a lady, who gained sight by successful operation at her fourty-second year. Acta P. svcholaglea Keijo, 1, 17-42. (In Japanese with English summary).
Latta, R. 1904 Notes on a case of successful operation for congenital Cataract in an adult. British Journal of Psychology, 1, 135-150.
Mochizuki, T. 1979 Depth perception of the early blind after surgery. Proceedings. of the Department of Education in Japan Women's University, 15, 8-31. (In Japanese)
Mochizuki, T. 1981 Acquisition process of color perception after surgery. Proceedings of the Faculty of Home economics in Japan Women's University, 28, 31-41. (In Japanese with English summary)
Mochizuki, T. 1989 Perceptual characteristics of visual space in the early blind after surgery. Japanese Journal of Ps_vchonoauc Science, 7, 53-70.(In Japanese with English summary)
Mochizuki, T. 1994 Perception of subjective contour-Comparative study of visual and tactual scanning. Journal of the Faculty of Integrated Arts and Social Sciences in Japan Women's University, 4, 55-67. (In Japanese)
Mochizuki, T., & Torii, S.1987 Vision in nonverbal communication.-A functional perspective. Japanese Psychological Retieu', 30, 49-84. (In Japanese with English summary).
Mochizuki, T., & Torii, S. 1988 Visual depth perception in the early blind after sur_erv. Abstract of XXI Vth International Congress of Psychology, T.270.
Mochiznki. T., & Torii, S. 1992 Perception of mirror image in a case of the blind after surgery. International Journal of Psychology, 27, 37. (Abstract)
Pokrovskii, A. I. 1953 On the development if visual perceptions and judgements in the postoperative newly seeing in the light of works of I. P. Patlov. Vesrnik Oftatmologii. 32 (6), 6-17.
London, I. D. 1960 Russian report on the postoperative newly seeing.American Journal of Psychology, 73, 178-182.
Rock. I. 1987 A problem-solving approach to illusory contours. In S. Petry & G. E. Meyer (Eds.), The perceptiori of illusory contours. New York Springer-Verlag. Pp.62-70.
Sasaki. M. Yagi, F. Torii. S., & Mochizuki, T. 1991 The formation of the visual world: The acqusit ion processes of visual functions of identifying various patterns after operation for congenital cataract. Proceedings of the 17th Sensory Substitution Stvnposium, 85-88.
Senden, M. von 1932 Rcatnt-und Gestaltauffassung bei operierten Blindgeborenen vor and nach der Operation. Leibzig: Barth.(Trs. by P.Heath 1960 Space and sight. London. Alethuen.)
Torii, S. 1979 The world of vision. Tokyo: Kitseikan. (In Japanese)
Torii, S. 1982 Psychology of vision. Tokyo: Saiensushu. (In Japanese)
Torii. S. 1986 Perception of superposition of figures after a successful operation for congenital cataract in an adult. Proceedings of the Department of Humanities in the University of Tokyo, 86, 39-92. (In Japanese)
Torii, S., & Mochizuki, T. 1992 Formation of visual perception, I. Tokyo: Baifukan. (In Japanese)
Umezu, H., Torii, S., & Uemura, Y. 1975 Postoperative formation of visual perception in the early blind. Psvchologia, 18, 171-186.
Umezu, H., Torii, S., & Uemura, Y. 1987 Activity of sign system of the early blind in the initial stage after operation. Julttutesc Journal of Psychonomic Science, 6, 67-78. (In Japanese with English summary)
Umezu, II., Torii, S., & Ueinura, Y. 1990 Activity of sign system of the early blind after operation (1): Localization of a patch and discrimination of its color in vision-sign system activity. Japanese Journal of Pcvchottomic Science, 8, 69-82. (In Japanese with English summary)
Umezu, H., Torii, S., & Uemura, Y. 1991 Activity of sign system of the early blind after operation (2): Exploration of the figure-area and shape discrimination in vision-sign system activity. Japanese Journal of Psvchonontic Science, 9, 73-84 (In Japanese woh English summary)
Umezu, H., Torii., S. & Uemura, Y. 1993 Activity of sign system of the early blind after operation (3): Exploration of the figure-area and direction docrimination in vision-sign system activitiy. Japanese Journal of Psis honomic Science. 12, 17-37. (In Japanese with English suminary)
Valvo, A. 1908 Behavior patterns and visual rehabilitation after early and long-lasting blindness. Antericwi journal of Ophuhahnologv, 65, 19-24.
Valvo, A. 1971 Sight restoration otter long-term blindness: The problem.c and behavior patients of visual rehabilitation. New York: American Foundation for the Blind.
Wallach, H., & Slaughter, V. 1988 The role of memory in perceiving subjective contours. Perception & Psrchopin sics, 43, 101-100.
Warm, J. S., Dember, W. N., Padich, R. A., Bekner, J., & Jones, S. 1987 The role of illumination level in the strength of subjective contours. In S.Petry & G. E. Meyer (Eds.), The perception of illusory contours. New York: Springer-Verlag. pp.174-182.
Yasuma, T., Toyama, K., Torn, S., & Mochizuki, T. 1977 Observations on the postoperative formation process of visual perception in the early blind. Japanese Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 31. 389-399. (In Japanese with English summary)

Right : Ackroyd. C., Humphrey. N. K., & Warrington, E. K. 1974 Lasting effects of early blindness: A case study. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 26, 114-124.
Bradley, D. R., & Dumais, S.T. 1975 Ambiguous cognitive contours. Nature, 257, 582-584.
Bradley, D. R., & Dumais, S.T. 1984 The effect of illumination level and retinal size on the depth stratification of subjective contour figures. Perception, 13, 155-164.
Bradley. D. R. & Mates, S. M. 1985 Perceptual organization and apparent brightness in subjective contour figures. Perception, 14, 645-653.
Bradley, D. R. & Petry, H.M. 1977 Organizational determinants of subjective contour: the subjective Necker cube. American Journal of Psychology, 90, 253-262.
Carlson, S., & Hyvärinen, L. 1983 Visual rehabilitation after long lasting early blindness. Acta Ophthalmologica, 61, 701-713.
Fisher. J. H. 1914 Observations of the learning of vision, after a successful operation, at the age of six years, in a congenitally blind patient. Ophthalmic Review, 33, 161-165.
Gregory, R. L. & Wallace, J. G. 1963 Recovery from early blindness: A case study. Experimental Psychology Society Monograph, 2, 1-46.
Hebb, D. O. 1937 The innate organization of visual activity: I. Perception of figures by rats reared in total darkness. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 51, 101-126.
Hebb, D. O. 1949 The organization of behavior: A neuropsychological theory. New York: Wiley.
Kanizsa, G. 1976 Subjective contours. Scientific American, 234, 48-52.
Kanizsa, G. 1979 Organization in vision: Essays on Gestalt perception. New York: Praeger.
Kuroda, R. 1930 A report of investigations dealing with a new case of cataracta congenita in a lady, who gained sight by successful operation at her fourty-second year. Acta Psychologica Keijo, 1, 17-42.(In Japanese with English summary).
Latta, R. 1904 Notes on a case of successful operation for congenital catarct in an adult. British Journal of Psychology, 1, 135-150.
Mochizuki, T. 1979 Depth perception of the early blind after surgery. Proceedings. of the Department of Education in Japan Women's University, 15, 8-31.(In Japanese)
Mochizuki, T. 1981 Acquisition process of color perception after surgery. Proceedings of the Faculty of Homeeconomics in Japan Women's University, 28, 31-41.(In Japanese with English summary)
Mochizuki, T. 1989 Perceptual characteristics of visual space in the early blind after surgery. Japanese Journal of Psychonomic Science, 7, 53-70.(In Japanese with English summary)
Mochizuki, T. 1994 Perception of subjective contour-Comparative study of visual and tactual scanning. Journal of the Faculty of Integrated Arts and Social Sciences in Japan Women's University, 4, 55-67.(In Japanese)
Mochizuki, T., & Torii, S.1987 Vision in nonverbal communication.-A functional perspective. Japanese Psychological Review, 30, 49-84.(In Japanese with English summary).
Mochizuki, T., & Torii, S. 1988 Visual depth perception in the early blind after surgery. Abstract of XXIVth International Congress of Psychology, T.270.
Mochiznki. T., & Torii, S. 1992 Perception of mirror image in a case of the blind after surgery. International Journal of Psychology, 27, 37.(Abstract)
Pokrovskii, A. I. 1953 On the development of visual perceptions and judgements in the postoperative newly seeing in the light of works of I. P. Pavlov. Vestnik Oftatmologii. 32 (6), 6-17.
London, I. D. 1960 Russian report on the postoperative newly seeing. American Journal of Psychology, 73, 178-182.
Rock. I. 1987 A problem-solving approach to illusory contours. In S. Petry & G. E. Meyer (Eds.), The perception of illusory contours. New York Springer-Verlag. Pp.62-70.
Sasaki. M. Yagi, F. Torii. S., & Mochizuki, T. 1991 The formation of the visual world: The acqusition processes of visual functions of identifying various patterns after operation for congenital cataract. Proceedings of the 17th Sensory Substitution Symposium, 85-88.
Senden, M. von 1932 Raum-und Gestaltauffassung bei operierten Blindgeborenen vor and nach der Operation. Leibzig: Barth.(Trs. by P. Heath 1960 Space and sight. London. Methuen.)
Torii, S. 1979 The world of vision. Tokyo: Koseikan.(In Japanese)
Torii, S. 1982 Psychology of vision. Tokyo: Saiensusha.(In Japanese)
Torii. S. 1986 Perception of superposition of figures after a successful operation for congenital cataract in an adult. Proceedings of the Department of Humanities in the University of Tokyo, 86, 39-92.(In Japanese)
Torii, S., & Mochizuki, T. 1992 Formation of visual perception, I. Tokyo: Baifukan.(In Japanese)
Umezu, H., Torii, S., & Uemura, Y. 1975 Postoperative formation of visual perception in the early blind. Psychologia, 18, 171-186.
Umezu, H., Torii, S., & Uemura, Y. 1987 Activity of sign system of the early blind in the initial stage after operation. Japanese Journal of Psychonomic Science, 6, 67-78.(In Japanese with English summary)
Umezu, H., Torii, S., & Uemura, Y. 1990 Activity of sign system of the early blind after operation (1): Localization of a patch and discrimination of its color in vision-sign system activity. Japanese Journal of Psychonomic Science, 8, 69-82.(In Japanese with English summary)
Umezu, H., Torii, S., & Uemura, Y. 1991 Activity of sign system of the early blind after operation (2): Exploration of the figure-area and shape discrimination in vision-sign system activity. Japanese Journal of Psychonomic Science, 9, 73-84 (In Japanese with English summary)
Umezu, H., Torii., S. & Uemura, Y. 1993 Activity of sign system of the early blind after operation (3): Exploration of the figure-area and direction discrimination in vision-sign system activitiy. Japanese Journal of Psychonomic Science. 12, 17-37.(In Japanese with English summary)
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Abstract

The present experiment was planned to examine whether or not the congenitally blind after surgery were capable of seeing the subjective contour, when Kanizsa's original and a modified version of it were presented for the first time. Three subjects (M. O., To. M. and K. T.) who have continued a series of experiments for visual learning with us participated in the experimental runs. All subjects have already attained the ability to identify the 2D shape and solids. Initially it was expected that the subject's response could be classified as indicating that the subjective contours were seen or that they were not. However, it was found that (1) at least another two classes of responses should be added, and (2) that the commonly reported phenomenon of subjective contours in the normally sighted was rare in the congenitally blind subjects after surgery. A theoretical implication of the results is briefly discussed.

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