Discrimination of Visual Linear Velocities

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to determine velocity discrimination characteristics of subjects in a difference threshold paradigm. After recruitment, 180 male and female subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 groups differentiated by the length of the stimulus runway and the subjects' orientation to the stimulus. Stimulus velocities were presented on a modified Bassin Anticipation Timer with presentation rate controlled by a programmed timer. The criterion velocities were 134.11, 268.22 and 402.33, cm/sec with variable velocities ranging 44.7 cm/sec above and below the criterion in 8.94 cm/sec increments. The method of constant stimuli was used with 198 trial pairs presented (constant 7 second stimulus presentation interval). The results indicated that the discrimination of horizontal linear velocity follows a prothetic continuum. That is, the just noticeable difference increased in proportion to the increase in the criterion velocity. In addition, the subjects' orientation to the stimulus and the viewing distance (length of runway) seemed to play little or no role in the discrimination process.     

The Psychophysics of Kinesthesis for Positioning Responses: The Physical Stimulus-Psychological Response Relationship

Abstract

The physical stimulus-psychological response relationship has been described as being either a prothetic or a metathetic continuum. That is, as the stimulus intensity increases, the response magnitude increases (prothetic) or stays the same (metathetic). The first experiment of this study considered this relationship for a movement having the final limb position, or location, as its goal. The second experiment focused on an extent movement. Subjects were tested on a linear positioning apparatus in both experiments using the method of constant stimuli for determining thresholds. On the basis of the Weber ratios and the JND's for the three increasing movement locations and extents, a metathetic continuum was determined as best describing location movements, while a prothetic continuum was considered more appropriate for extent movements. JND's indicated sensitive discrimination for location movements (1.08 to 1.39 cm for 25 to 75 cm locations) and less precise discrimination capability for extent movements (2.49 to 5.76 cm for 25 to 75 cm extents). Results are discussed in terms of their possible implications for addressing issues related to mechanisms subserving active kinesthesis, and in terms of their implications for experimental procedures for learning and memory investigations using discrete positioning responses.