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Effects of Stimulus Structure, Mode of Inspection, and Repeated Trials Upon Anticipation-Habituation Errors in Space Localization NICHD USPHS

Author(s):
Baker, A. Harvey
Publication Year:
1970
Report Number:
RB-70-45
Source:
ETS Research Bulletin
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
18
Subject/Key Words:
National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), United States Public Health Service (USPHS), Error Patterns, Perception Tests, Response Style (Tests), Responses, Visual Perception

Abstract

Factors involving anticipation-habituation errors in space localization over many repeated trials were investigated with variation in stimulus structure and inspection mode. Initially, Fixation induced greater anticipation error than Free Inspection, whereas Scanning induced less anticipation error than Free Inspection. Over repeated trials, Scanning and Free Inspection showed parallel shifts from anticipation error (undershooting) toward habituation error (overshooting), whereas Fixation showed a much greater shift. Previously, this shift had been found to be greater with low structure (Two Dots) vs. high structure (Unbroken Line) of the stimulus. Here, Scanning minimized whereas Fixation maximized this difference between stimuli. An interpretation is offered in terms of cognitive processes pertinent to the relationship between self and object presumed to be operative in the experimental situation.

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