Magnitude estimates of rotational velocity during and following prolonged increasing, constant, and zero angular acceleration.

Abstract

Velocity of rotation was observed by 10 Os in a rotating simulator during and following accelerations about a vertical axis which varied between .5°-1.5%ec a and .006°-.030°/sec 3 and continued for 2-3 min. Trials with 0 acceleration were also included. Magnitude estimates of velocity of rotation increased and then declined during the constant accelerations, while more complex effects occurred during increasing accelerations.Aftereffects and an autokinetic effect were also observed. Current theory of vestibular function is considered in the light of these results.

Power laws for the perception of rotation and the oculogyral illusion

“…Following a ready signal, the a was given a 5-sec pulse of angular acceleration. Since it is well known that in the vestibular system subjective sensation increases over time during and after a constant angular acceleration (Brown, 1966;Clark & Stewart, 1968a;Parsons, 1968), the a's task was to report the magnitude of subjective sensation within 6 sec after the end of the pulse, as signaled by E using the word "reply. "…”

“…Clark and Stewart (l968a), using different values of prolonged constant a, found results that led them to question whether Stevens's power law applies to prolonged constant a. Clark and Stewart's (1968a) hypothesis concerning prolonged constant a may well be true, but their method of stimulus presentation introduces various constraints and response biases. In the present experiment relatively short 5-sec pulses of a were used as stimuli to be evaluated by magnitude estimation.…”

“…The room is ventilated by two fans, which also serve to mask external noises. An aviator's helmet, shoulder harness, and lap belt are used as safety precautions (Clark & Stewart, 1968a).…”

Temporal summation at the warmth threshold

“…Thresholds for vision (Bartlett, 1965), hearing (Garner, 1947), taste (Bujas, 1935), vibration (Verrillo, 1965), rotary acceleration (Clark & Stewart, 1968), and cold (Bujas, 1938) all depend on duration over some limited range, so that there is an inverse relation between intensity and duration. In vision, the reciprocity is perfect, Le., the eye sums energy (Bloch's law).…”

Perceived range, perceived velocity, and perceived duration of the body rotating in the frontal plane

“…Clark, 1967;B. Clark & Stewart, 1968a) or to verbally judge how fast the body is rotating (J. H. Brown, 1966;B. Clark & Stewart, 1968b).…”