Viewpoint-dependent versus -independent 3-D object perception: A direct comparison

Although changing the viewpoint from which objects are perceived drastically alters the image they project on the retina, the visual system is generally able to recognize them. To explain this capacity, two basic accounts have been proposed: a viewpoint-independent and a viewpoint-dependent account. Both classes of theories have provided considerable evidence in their favor. In line with recent developments, however, we argue that & single mechanism does not suffice to explain the available experimental evidence. We report an experiment that shows that in a single experimental paradigm with highly similar stimuli, both viewpoint-dependent and viewpoint-independent results can be obtained. In addition, we review an fMRI-study in which we investigated the neurofunctional correlates underlying these behavioral patterns. Taken together, these findings corroborate the claim that there are multiple routes to achieve object recognition.Laboratorium voor Experimentele psychologie. Afdeling Experimentele en kwantitatieve psychologie.status: publishe