The importance of visual motion perception in early cognitive development.

Claes von Hofsten, Uppsala University

The ability to perceive motion and change in the outside world is critical for our ability to predict what is going to happen next and adjust our actions to it. Therefore it is expected that this perceptual ability develops early. At around 2 months of age, the first signs of motion perception are expressed in smooth pursuit eye movements and several other abilities founded on motion perception develop soon thereafter. However, there are several indices that some forms of motion perception function already at birth. In the present seminar, the different forms of motion perception and their developmental origins will be discussed.