In a psychophysical experiment, observers first view an adapting stimulus in which small dots on a computer screen all move steadily toward the right. They then view a test stimulus in which they have to determine whether a patch of dots is stationary or moving. Based on the textbook's discussion, one might predict that the adapting stimulus would:

Question

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The adapting stimulus in which all dots move steadily toward the right would lead to a neural adaptation specifically for rightward motion. This would lead to an increase in the absolute threshold for motion detection, meaning that a stronger stimulus would be needed to detect any motion at all, including rightward motion. This effect is called the motion aftereffect.

In a Psychophysical Experiment, Observers First View an Adapting Stimulus