THE EFFECT OF CONVERGENCE ON PERCEIVED SIZE AND DISTANCE
Abstract
The role of absolute convergence in the perception of absolute size and distance was investigated using convergence values from 0 to 12 degrees of arc. Perceived absolute size was measured by means of a kinesthetic adjustment. With this method, the apparent width of a binocular object of constant angular size was measured at the different convergence values. Perceived absolute distance was measured by providing a visual ruler consisting of a monocularly observed alley containing numbered rectangles. This observer (O) judged the apparent position of the binocular object with respect to the alley for the values of convergence previously used with the size judgments. The results suggest that convergence was a significant contributor to perceived size and distance for some Os. However, even with the Os who showed some effect of convergence, the sensitivity in making the size and distance discriminations was low. In general, the study supports the conclusion that, even in situations in which no conflicting cues are present, absolute convergence is an imprecise and usually negligible determiner of perceived size and distance. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 29, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0264978
Entities
People
- Walter C. Gogel
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Laboratory