Open AccessQualitative analyses of critical aspects of adaptation to the visually left‐right reversed world[Note 1. Preparation of this article was supported by the Japanese ...]
Author(s) -
Yoshimura Hirokazu
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
japanese psychological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.392
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1468-5884
pISSN - 0021-5368
DOI - 10.1111/1468-5884.00113
Subject(s) - psychology , perception , introspection , cognitive psychology , adaptation (eye) , mental image , reversing , proprioception , contrast (vision) , left and right , communication , computer vision , computer science , cognition , neuroscience , materials science , structural engineering , engineering , composite material
In this article, mechanisms of perceptual adaptation to the transposed world are analyzed based on introspective and behavioral performance data gathered during an extended period of wearing left‐right reversing goggles. Three aspects central to this study were the mental map of the living space surrounding the subject, body image (both seen and felt), and the sensorimotor coordination system, which reflects the relationship between the subject and surroundings. These were investigated through map‐drawing tests, self‐representation tests when postures other than face forward were adopted, and after effects observed immediately after removal of the reversing goggles. It was concluded that the main course of the perceptual adaptation to the visually left‐right reversed world consists of double reversals of the mental map and body image as well as the establishment of a new sensorimotor coordination system. In sharp contrast to the proprioceptive‐change hypothesis, the importance of the visual nature of the body image was emphasized.