Geometric, kinetic-kinematic, and intentional constraints influence willingness to pass under a barrier

Completing a goal directed behavior in a safe and efficient manner requires that a perceiver-actor is sensitive to the various constraints on performing that behavior and adjust his or her movements accordingly. When attempting to pass under a barrier, people adjust their ducking behavior based on the likelihood and potential costs of a collision (van der Meer, 1997). In three experiments, we investigated whether participants are sensitive to geometric (standing height), kinetic-kinematic (anticipated movement speed), and intentional (material properties of the barrier) constraints on passing under a barrier even before attempting to perform this behavior. Although Experiment 1 failed to show that anticipated movement speed influenced perception of whether a barrier could be passed under, Experiment 2 found that this factor influences willingness to attempt the behavior. Experiments 3a and 3b found that the material properties of the barrier itself also influence willingness to attempt the behavior. Together, the results highlight the contribution of geometric, kinetic-kinematic, and intentional constraints to perception.