When newborn kittens were exposed to either vertical or horizontal stripes-and nothing else-for several months, it was found that:
A) the kittens became completely blind.
B) the kittens ran to play only when the researcher held up a bar matching their visual experience.
C) the perception of vertical stripes is innate, and so some kittens functioned in a normal manner.
D) the perception of horizontal stripes is innate, and so some kittens functioned in a normal manner.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This experiment, often associated with the work of neuroscientists like Hubel and Wiesel, demonstrates how exposure to specific visual patterns early in life can shape perceptual capabilities. The kittens exposed to only one orientation (vertical or horizontal) struggled to perceive the other orientation, indicating that early visual experiences can critically influence sensory development.

When Newborn Kittens Were Exposed to Either Vertical or Horizontal