The information basis in the perception of velocity

Abstract

This is a theoretical-empirical contribution to the controversy about whether perceived velocity is a consequence of the interaction between phenomenal space and time, or an independent attribute directly extracted from the physical time and space information of moving stimulation. The paper includes the following problems. (a) After a brief methodological review, the quantitative relationship between perceived velocity, space and time is re-interpreted and its numerical validity evaluated. (b) It is contended that perceptions of velocity, space and direction of movement are parallel processes which occur on the basis of the information extracted directly from the space and time variables of motion stimulus. And, finally, (c) a new line of argument is advanced in support of the thesis that even in pursuit eye movements, information about motion is transmitted visually rather than via extraocular proprioception, and in this connection some questions concerning the control theoretical models of smooth pursuit eye movements are raised.