Object recognition and action

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As humans, we interact with objects in our environment in two ways: by identifying them and by using them. This proposal will study the visual brain mechanisms that underlie these abilities. In particular, comparisons will be made between objects that we can grasp and use like a hammer and those that we cannot like a tree. Is this difference reflected in our learning about and forming memories for objects? Does the ability to grasp and use objects influence our ability to identify them? Does our ability to identify objects influence our ability to use them? Two models of processing object identity and use will be tested. One postulates that we know how to use objects simply based on their visual appearance. Another model postulates that we only know how to use objects after we have identified them. The proposed studies will measure the time and accuracy of our object identification as a function of our ability to use them. Measures of grasping and using objects will also be made.