Memorizing 2D Tactile Right-Angle-Shapes by Congenitally Blind and Sighted Adults

Abstract

The study was designed to compare the ability of congenitally blind and sighted individuals to memorize embossed 2D right-angle-figures with varied number of angles displayed against a grid or in a frame. We hypothesized that blind adults learn embossed shapes: 1) faster than sighted participants – this assumption was verified positively; 2) more accurately – which was not confirmed. The grid interfered with sighted people in solving the task, but it had no impact on the performance of participants with blindness. These results can be explained by referring to the memorizing strategies used by those who do and do not have visual experience. Sighted individuals use visual strategies more often than congenitally blind participants. The strategies identified in both groups were used either in isolation or in combination with a verbal or a kinesthetic strategy.

Keywords

• visuo-spatial processes
• touch
• imagery strategies