Abstract
Based on the Luneburg theory of binocular visual space, the equation for a visual circle (an apparent circle) was derived to estimate the personal constants, o and K, in this theory. Using small points of light in an otherwise dark room, five observers were asked to construct a visual circle on the horizontal plane with a standard radius of 50 or 100 cm in the median plane. The observation distance for the small circle was 250, 450, or 700 cm, and that for the large circle was 700, 1,030, 1,300, or 1,600 cm. The personal constants calculated from the radii of six directions in each circle were found to be inconsistent with those expected from this theory. The os obtained were remarkably larger than those observed in earlier studies and increased systematically as the observation distance increased. Almost all Ks were negative, with most being less than minus one. Possible factors responsible for these inconsistencies are discussed with reference to the results of previous experiments.
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This study was supported by a scientific research grant provided by the Japanese Ministry of Education. The present article is largely based on an earlier article (Hagino & Yoshloka, 1968) and further presents the results and implications of the study in the context of subsequent related research. The authors hope that this report wilt serve to Introduce Western readers to some of our research work in Japan.
An erratum to this article is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.3758/BF03199461.
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Hagino, G., Yoshioka, I. A new method for determining the personal constants in the Luneburg theory of binocular visual space. Perception & Psychophysics 19, 499–509 (1976). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03211218
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03211218