Color discrimination repetition distorts color representations

Abstract

Perceptual learning is the improvement of perceptual performance after repeated practice on a perceptual task. Studies on perceptual learning in color vision are limited. In this study, we measured the impact of color discrimination repetitions at a specific base color on color perception for entire hues. Participants performed five sessions of color discrimination training (200 or 300 trials per session) over five days, at colors on either the negative or positive direction of the L-M color axis, based on group assignment. We administered three color perception assessments (unique hues, color category boundaries, and color appearance) before and after the sessions to evaluate perceptual changes after training. The results showed declines in color discrimination thresholds after training, as expected. Additionally, the training influenced outcomes across all three assessment types. After the training, the perceived color appearance changed near the trained color along the stimulus hue, and some of the unique hues and the color category boundaries moved significantly toward the trained color. These findings indicate that short-term repetitions of color discrimination training can alter color representations in the visual system, distorting color perception around the trained color.