TITLE:
Illusory Upward Self-Motion Results in a Decrease in Perceived Room Temperature
AUTHORS:
Takeharu Seno, George H. Van Doorn
KEYWORDS:
Vection; Temperature; Vision; Illusory Self-Motion
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.4 No.11,
November
22,
2013
ABSTRACT: Purpose: Stationary observers often experience
illusory self-motion (vection) when they are exposed to large patterns of optic
flow. The effect of different temperatures on the strength of vection was
investigated. Method: Eleven participants were exposed to
visual stimuli that induced illusory motion (up, down) in three room
temperatures (26°C - 27°C, 21°C - 22°C, 5°C - 6°C). Participants rated (a) the
vection magnitude, and (b) the room temperature (twice; before and after
vection). Results: Upward vection was rated as stronger
than downward vection in the 26°C - 27°C temperature. In addition, after
experiencing upward and downward vection, subjective ratings of room
temperature decreased and increased, respectively, when the room temperature
was 26°C - 27°C. This effect was not observed when the room was 5°C - 6°C. Conclusion: These results suggest that a cross modal association exists
between the direction “up” and 26°C - 27°C temperatures.