Human Estimation of Proportional Distances and Distance Ratios with the Aid of a Reference Length.

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to investigate human ability to estimate the location of a target point. In the first experiment, a lateral distance between two remote points was displayed, and subjects were required to define, by means of a sighting device, a second lateral distance bearing a prescribed ratio to the first. In the second experiment, subjects were required to estimate the ratio of two displayed distances. Both experiments were conducted on an indoor, table-top range. A reference distance and a ratio aided accuracy in estimating distances. The findings suggest the value of a physically present reference distance for communicating the location of an obscure point. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0730283

Entities

People

  • Nilss M. Aume

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Readers

  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Statistical inference.
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.