Abstract
Our experiments were concerned with the fact that one perceives the visual field as stationary during head movements. It has been correctly argued that this is the result of a compensating process by which the head movement is taken into account, but its function has never been investigated beyond demonstrating that it is adaptable. We developed a technique for measuring the accuracy with which it operates. This technique made it possible to answer the question: What latitude of motion of a visual target during a head movement is compatible with its being perceived as stationary? It also enabled us to measure with precision partial adaptation to goggles that alter the relationship among visual directions, whereas previously only verbal reports of the visual field’s apparent motion or rest have had to serve. Rapid adaptation to optical minification is reported.
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Kohler, I. Ueber Aufbau und Wandlung der Wahrnehmungswelt. Sitz-Ber. Oesterr. Akad. Wiss. Philos. Histor. KL, 1951, 227, 1–118.
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This work was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.
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Wallaeh, H., Kravitz, J.H. The measurement of the constancy of visual direction and of its adaptation. Psychon Sci 2, 217–218 (1965). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03343414
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03343414