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Visual and motor functions in graphically gifted savants

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

B. Hermelin ,
L. Pring  and
L. Heavey
B. Hermelin*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths' College, University of London
L. Pring
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths' College, University of London
L. Heavey
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths' College, University of London
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr B. Hermelin, Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths' College, University of London, New Cross, London SE14 6NW
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Synopsis

Savant artists represent a conundrum to our understanding of the nature of high level specific talents as well as to the concept of general intellectual impairment. In the present paper, we are particularly concerned with the relationship between general perceptual-motor functions in relation to drawing aptitude. Drawing is by definition a perceptual-motor operation, yet mental handicap tends to be associated with some degree of impairment in this area. The following study seeks to isolate such aspects of performance on general perceptual-motor skills that might be associated with drawing ability, and may thus be regarded as building blocks underlying the manifestation of graphic talent. The results are discussed in terms of the relationships between graphic talent, non-verbal intelligence and visual-motor functions.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 24 , Issue 3 , August 1994 , pp. 673 - 680
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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