Perceived reachability in hemispace
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Observing the Transformation of Bodily Self-consciousness in the Squeeze-machine Experiment
Published on: March 8, 2019
Carl Gabbard1, Diala Ammar, Luis Rodrigues
1Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4243, USA. c-gabbard@tamu.edu
Abstract:
A common observation in studies of perceived (imagined) compared to actual movement in a reaching paradigm is the tendency to overestimate. Of the studies noted, reaching tasks have been presented in the general midline range. In the present study, strong right-handers were asked to judge the reachability of visual targets projected onto a table surface at midline, right- (RVF), and left-visual fields (LVF). Midline results support those of previous studies, showing an overestimation bias. In contrast, participants revealed the tendency to underestimate their reachability in RVF and LVF. These findings are discussed from the perspective of actor 'confidence' (a cognitive state) possibly associated with visual information, perceived ability, and perceived task demands.
Related Concept Videos
Somatosensation
Depth Perception and Spatial Vision
Cerebral Hemispheres
Gestalt Principles of Perception
Perception
Bottom-up processing begins at the sensory level, where receptors detect external environmental stimuli. These could include the tactile sensation of...
