Scalar Perceptions of Distance in Simple Binocular Configurations

Abstract

Under reduced viewing, a single visual object tends to appear about 2 m away. Gogel (1972) found that the far point in a binocular configuration of two points of light also tended to appear about 2 m away, while the near point was displaced toward the observer. Attempts to replicate this latter result with points of light, as well as with a large rectangle for the nearer object, proved generally successful. Under some conditions, however, the far point was perceived to be closer to the observer when seen with the near point than when seen alone or with the rectangle. This unexpected result suggests caution in assuming that the far object in such a configuration will always remain at a stable perceived distance.