Citation

Cabe PA, Hofman LL. J. Exp. Psychol. Hum. Percept. Perform. 2012; 38(5): 1328-1340.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/a0027738

PMID

22468725

Abstract

Four experiments examined haptic perception of two distal spatial properties in a bypass event. A hook suspended a string held taut between the participant's finger and a weight. Moving their fingers laterally beneath the hook, participants estimated the finger's point of closest approach (PCA) to the hook and bypass distance (BPD; i.e., hook height above the finger's track at PCA). Experiment 1 yielded near perfect PCA estimates (group average r > .99), independent of BPD and traverse distance. Experiment 2 replicated PCA results, and showed good BPD estimates (group r = .74). BPD estimates depended on lateral movement distance to PCA, but not weight. In Experiment 3, feedback on accuracy improved BPD estimates (maximum group average R = .91). Magnitude estimation of BPD in Experiment 4 yielded a power law relationship (group average r = .90; exponent, .30). Results show that human perceivers can make effective judgments of PCA and BPD using haptically available force relationships. Results are interpreted in terms of haptics as a telemodality, the Gibsonian perceptual research program, and dynamic touch. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved).

Language: en