Spatio perceptual segregation

Date and country of first publication

2007
Israel

Definition

Spatio-perceptual segregation refers to the process by which the brain segregates different spatial and perceptual features of sensory input. It involves the ability to separate and identify different elements within our environment, such as distinguishing between different objects or sounds in a crowded scene.

This process is crucial for our ability to interpret and make sense of the sensory information we receive. For example, when listening to a conversation in a noisy room, the brain needs to separate and focus on the speech sounds while ignoring the background noise. Similarly, when looking at a cluttered visual scene, the brain needs to segregate and identify the individual objects or features.

Spatio-perceptual segregation involves various mechanisms, including attention, spatial selective processing, and feature-based selective processing. These mechanisms help the brain filter and prioritize relevant information while suppressing irrelevant or competing elements. This process allows us to perceive and understand our surroundings more effectively.

Impairments in spatio-perceptual segregation can occur in individuals with certain neurological conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These individuals may have difficulties in filtering out irrelevant information or may struggle to focus on specific features within a complex environment.

Understanding the underlying processes of spatio-perceptual segregation is crucial for studying perception, attention, and cognitive processing. Researchers often use behavioral and neuroimaging techniques to investigate this process and its neural correlates.

Notes

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Spatio perceptual segregation appears in the following literature

Goldhaber R. (2007). A spatio perceptual segregation model: A case study of Jewish and Arab experiences in Jaffa, Israel. Urban Geography, 28(6), 578-603. https://doi.org/10.2747/0272-3638.28.6.578