PERCEPTION OF DYNAMIC STIMULI

Stemming from considerations of a cybernetic nature, the program was directed towards a theoretical and empirical examination of the perception of changing stimuli. Representative stimuli were selected so as to fall into two classes: Kinetic (e.g., changing loudness and brightness), and topographic (e.g., expanding lines and circles; moving points). Both classes of stimuli were presented in such manner as to permit either continuous or discontinuous display, and in either of two modes: Isochronal (equal time for standard and comparison stimuli), or isometric (equal final magnitudes attained by standard and comparison stimuli). It is tentatively concluded that topographic displays are superior (i.e., are perceived more precisely) to kinetic, discontinuous (initial and final values only) are superior to continuous, and isochronal are superior to isometric. (Author)