Behavioral dynamics of the affordance "graspable"

Area of Science:

• Cognitive psychology
• Dynamical systems theory
• Human-computer interaction

Background:

• Humans daily perceive object affordances for grasping.
• Grasping an object with one or two hands depends on object size relative to hand span.
• Previous research indicates presentation sequence influences grasping transitions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors influencing hysteresis in affordance perception.
• To model affordance perception using dynamical-systems theory.
• To extend the understanding of how object size and presentation sequence affect manual mode transitions.

Main Methods:

• Experiments presenting objects of varying sizes and fixed types.
• Analysis of transition ratios for increasing versus decreasing object size sequences.
• Order parameter dynamics modeling to explain observed hysteresis.
• Investigating the impact of attractor interaction and strength on hysteresis magnitude.

Main Results:

• Grasping transitions depend on object-to-hand span ratio and presentation sequence.
• Hysteresis, where transition ratios differ between increasing and decreasing sequences, was observed.
• Hysteresis magnitude is influenced by the interaction between one-hand and two-hand attractors.
• The strength of the two-hands attractor significantly affects hysteresis.

Conclusions:

• Affordance perception, specifically grasping mode transitions, can be explained by self-organizing system dynamics.
• Dynamical-systems theory provides a framework for understanding the interplay of object properties and perception.
• The study extends the application of dynamical-systems theory to the domain of affordance perception and motor control.