The balance between vision and touch

Publication date: Available online 11 July 2019Source: Journal of Mathematical PsychologyAuthor(s): Devin M. BurnsAbstractAlthough research in augmented perception is booming, little is understood about the information processing characteristics that underlie the integration of these additional signals. In this experiment, Systems Factorial Technology was employed to examine the architecture, stopping rule, and workload capacity of participants when making use of vibration cues from a belt in combination with visual cues on a computer screen. In order to support the application of this vibration belt to improving balance in populations at risk of falling, this experiment used a novel lean-to-respond methodology rather than a traditional response pad. Participants stood on a Wii Balance Board and reacted to cues by leaning in the direction indicated. Results indicate that participants appear to process these two signals in a parallel, self-terminating fashion, with moderately limited-capacity. Capacity results indicate that the two cues are not processed as quickly together as they are individually, but the augmented cue still improved performance due to statistical facilitation.
Source: Journal of Mathematical Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research