PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS IN DISORIENTATION,
Abstract
This report reviews and summarizes research on the varied aspects of disorientation relating to problems encountered by man during space travel. The term disorientation reers to false sensations, incorrectly sensed cues, misperception, and inappropriate responses to stimuli which result in perceptual frames of reference at variance with reality. Special problem areas, such as time disorientation and visual disorientation, are evaluated in terms of astronaut performance requirements during prolonged space flight. In considering the problems of disorientation in position and motion, the role of the visual system, the labyrinthine system (vestibular apparatus of the inner ear), and the extralabyrinthine system (peripheral pressure, muscle, and posture senses) are summarized. Illusions of position and motion are described and their involvement in space fligh operations are discussed. It is emphasized that once the stimuli, responses, and basic physiological and psychological mechanisms are understood for specific space flight missions, techniques of selection, adaptation, training, and human engineering may be used to increase man's ability to tolerate the stressful conditions and to perform as a reliable unit within any spacecraft system. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0432968
Entities
People
- Randall M. Chambers
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster