Inference
of causal relations in perception of space and motion
T. Oyama |
Simon-Blalock
method for causal inference by means of partical correlations was
applied to two problems: one in space perception and another in motion
perception, Experiment I dealt with size-distance invariance relation,
and Experiment II, with the velocity-length-time, interrelation.
The method can discriminate direct and indirect causal relation between
stimulus variables and perceptual variables. In indirect relations,
partial correlations between stimulus variables and perceptual variables
with some intervening variables kept constant will become zero. The
results of Experiment I indicated that, in the most subjects, both
perceived size and perceived distance were determined directly by
stimulus variables (visual angle and convergence). There was no direct
relation between them. The results of Experiment II indicated that
perceived velocity and perceeved path-length were determined directly
by stimulus variables (angular velocity and visual angle of path).
Perceived time was determined not only by a stimulus variable (angular
velocity) but else by a perceptual variable (perceived path-Length). |