Non-Visual Estimation of near Space: A Ratio Scale

Abstract

A scale was constructed by the method of ratio production with a fractionation ratio of .5. 16 Ss were given 72 trials each on an apparatus designed to measure non-visual estimation of arm position in space. 18 stimulus angles each were presented to the right and left arms in both horizontal and vertical planes of body orientation. A scale of subjective non-visual space in kines was developed and a power function with an exponent of one fitted to the data. A second study was conducted to delimit the possibility of time estimation as a factor in the non-visual estimation of near space. 24 Ss were administered 36 trials for each of two methods of presentation of stimulus angles in a horizontal plane. For Method 1, the angle was given by moving S's extended arm along the perimeter of the apparatus. Method 2 involved moving the arm from flexion to extension to two different positions, thus describing an angle. Results showed the two response distributions to be similar, and it was concluded from both studies that there is a linear relationship between size of angle and fractionation mean judgments of the angle.