**1.1 Summary of proposed studies**

In the present chapter, we report the results of experiments, including recent results from our laboratory, that explore whether concepts learned haptically or visually can transfer their information to the alternate modality. We also report whether categorical information, simultaneously perceived by the two modalities, can be learned when put into conflict. Specifically, the objects explored visually and haptically belonged to the same category but were, unbeknownst to the subject, different objects. In the latter situation, we are especially interested in whether intermodal conflict retards or even precludes learning or whether the disparities provided by touch and vision are readily overcome. We also report the results of a preliminary study that addresses whether concepts can be learned when partial information is provided. Finally, we explore whether the representation of categories acquired haptically or visually differ minimally or dramatically and whether the structures are modified in similar ways following category learning.

The lack of research into multi-modal concepts should not imply that little is known about haptic processing. The classic Woodward and Schlosberg (1954) text devoted a chapter to touch and the cutaneous senses, and a recent textbook on haptics (Hatwell, Streri, & Gentaz, 2003) lists 17 subareas of research with over 1000 references. There is now an electronic journal devoted to haptics (Haptics-e), the IEEE Transactions on Haptics was established in 2009, and numerous labs have been formed both nationally and internationally that are dedicated to haptics and haptic interfaces. A brief summary of pertinent research on haptic processing is presented first.
