Visual Motion Perception and Field Dependence

Abstract

The aim of this research was to throw light on the relationship between the visual field dependence, as measured by a rod-and-frame test (RFT), and the amount of recorded postural sway subsequent to a visual motion of the environment. Two groups of fifteen adult participants were split according to their results in an RFT test. They were asked to maintain an upright stance within a large-scale scenery animated by a texture flow generator. The flow consisted of either an approaching (AP) or a receding (RE) texture with respect to the observer. An ELITE system recorded antero - posterior body sway after onset and offset of stimulus motion. Both field-dependent (FD) and field-independent (FI) participants showed little reaction to AP whereas only FD participants presented a forward shift in the direction of RE at the onset. Postural responses opposite to AP and RE were marked for both groups at the offset. In conclusion we may assume an interaction between the direction specificity of the sways and a greater field dependence.