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Related Experiment Videos

Thermosensory reversal effect quantified.

Wouter M Bergmann Tiest1, Astrid M L Kappers

  • 1Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Princetonplein 5, 3584 CC Utrecht, The Netherlands. W.M.BergmannTiest@phys.uu.nl

Acta Psychologica
|February 20, 2007
PubMed
Summary
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Materials feel colder due to thermal properties. This study found that the perceived coldness of materials reverses at 34°C, making discrimination impossible and revealing touch

Area of Science:

  • Psychophysics
  • Thermal Perception
  • Sensory Science

Background:

  • Material properties like thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and geometry influence perceived temperature at room temperature.
  • The subjective sensation of coldness can be reversed when ambient temperatures exceed skin temperature.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the reversal of subjective coldness perception.
  • To determine the ambient temperature at which materials' perceived 'coldness' or 'warmth' is indistinguishable.
  • To investigate the influence of stimulus thickness on thermal perception across different ambient temperatures.

Main Methods:

  • Subjective coldness discrimination thresholds were measured.
  • Experiments were conducted at various ambient temperatures using stimuli of differing thicknesses.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Participants rated the perceived coldness of materials.

    • Main Results:

    • A reversal point for subjective coldness was identified at 34°C, slightly above average skin temperature.
    • At the reversal point (34°C), participants could not discriminate between materials based on coldness.
    • At room temperature, participants could discriminate material thickness by coldness, suggesting touch can perceive properties of solid objects.
    • Surprisingly, thermal discrimination was poorer at ambient temperatures significantly below room temperature compared to room temperature itself.

    Conclusions:

    • The perception of material temperature is relative to ambient conditions and skin temperature.
    • Touch can discern material properties like thickness, even at a distance, under specific thermal conditions.
    • Optimal thermal discrimination occurs within a specific ambient temperature range, with performance degrading at both higher and lower extremes.