The effect of practice on age differences in central perceptual processing.

The effects of practice on performance in a dichoptic masking paradigm was assessed across two age groups (mean age - 66.5 and 18.8 years). For both age groups practice resulted in a reliable reduction in the time separation between the onset of the target stimulus and the onset of the masking stimulus required to escape masking. The magnitude of reduction was equivalent in both age groups, indicating that the amount of practice in this study does not ameliorate previously demonstrated age differences in speed of central perceptual processing. On the other hand, the equivalent improvement in both age groups suggests no age-related decrement in the adaptability of central perceptual processes.