Homo Integralis 1: Motion perception for moving observers

Summary

The perception of motion and movement has been studied for a long time, often under very controlled conditions, in dark rooms, with the head stabilised. However, human perception mostly occurs under conditions that are far above perceptual threshold and in particular under conditions observers are not stationary. Our goal of this project is to look at motion sensitivity under conditions where observers are moving, or being moved, using a state of the art 7 degrees-of-freedom motion simulator (see also Hogendoorn, Alais et al, Vis Res 2017) and use head-mounted displays to present motion stimuli.

Supervisor

Professor Frans Verstraten.

Research location

School of Psychology

Program type

Masters/PHD

Synopsis

The perception of motion and movement has been studied for a long time, often under very controlled conditions, in dark rooms, with the head stabilised. This has given science a clear insight into how sensitive the human motion system is, typically represented by easy to reproduce sensitivity and tuning curves (See work by Fredericksen, Verstraten & Van de Grind, mostly in Vision Research in the mid ‘90s). However, human perception mostly occurs under conditions that are far above perceptual threshold and in particular under conditions observers are not stationary. That means that other senses are active, in particular the vestibular system, and our goal of this project is to look at motion sensitivity under conditions where observers are moving, or being moved. For this we use a state of the art 7 degrees-of-freedom motion simulator (see also Hogendoorn, Alais et al, Vis Res 2017) and use head-mounted displays to present motion stimuli.

Additional information

HDR Inherent Requirements

In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Example of inherent requirement may include:

• Confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree
• Confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo, etc.)
• Ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision;
• Ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
• Ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks;
• Ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden);
• Ability to work in confined spaces or at heights;
• Ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment);
• Hold or acquire an Australian driver’s licence;
• Hold a current scuba diving licence;
• Hold a current Working with Children Check;
• Meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.)

You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.

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Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 2951

Other opportunities with Professor Frans Verstraten