Visual and Perceptual Science and Radiology

Abstract

This chapter discusses the science of human visual perception, including recently published experimental results that directly explore the underlying visual perceptual processes involved in diagnostic radiology. The amazing properties of human visual perception have been found to involve a (perhaps unexpectedly) complex interplay between the eye and brain and can be affected by a large number of factors in surprising and unexpected ways. We will discuss what is different about a radiologist’s brain in this regard, compared to the brains of people who are not similarly trained and experienced. The chapter reviews the most common radiologist errors, as these may yield key insights into the process and lead to more effective strategies for error prevention.