Preprint manuscript of:
Systematic distortions of perceptual stability investigated using immersive virtual reality
Tcheang, L., Gilson, S. J. and Glennerster, A.
Vision Research 45, 2177-2189 (2005)
tgg.pdf
Abstract
Using an immersive virtual reality system, we measured the ability of
observers to detect the rotation of an object when its movement was
yoked to the observer's own translation. Most subjects had a large
bias such that a static object appeared to rotate away from them as
they moved. Thresholds for detecting target rotation were similar to
those for an equivalent speed discrimination task carried out by
static observers, suggesting that visual discrimination is the
predominant limiting factor in detecting target rotation. Adding a
stable visual reference frame almost eliminated the bias. Varying the
viewing distance of the target had little effect, consistent with
observers under-estimating distance walked. However, accuracy of
walking to a briefly presented visual target was high and not
consistent with an under-estimation of distance walked. We discuss
implications for theories of a task-independent representation of
visual space.
Science direct link to article (if you have a subscription). I can email a pdf on request (a.glennerster "at" reading.ac.uk).
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