Effects of Head-Tilt and Practice on Perception of Visual Direction without Visible Spatial Framework

Abstract

A series of 3 experiments concerned with the perception of visual direction was conducted using a single adjustable luminous rod in a completely darkened room. In Exp. I, perceptual accuracies of primary (vertical and horizontal) and intermediate (all other directions) visual directions were compared. Accuracy for primary directions was significantly better (t = 10.73, p < .001). Head-tilts of 5°, 10°, 20°, and 30° to the right and left of 0° in Exp. II did not significantly affect the perceptual accuracy, but perceptual accuracy differed significantly between primary and intermediate directions (F = 182.11, p < .001). The introduction of non-verbal knowledge of results in Exp. III yielded little improvement in the perceptual accuracy of intermediate visual direction, but a significant practice effect was found. The results were discussed in terms of previous research and suggestions for further research were outlined.

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