Cognition modulates action-to-perception transfer in ambiguous perception.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Perception
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Action-to-perception transfer demonstrates how motor actions can influence sensory perception.
• Internal cognitive models, formed from prior experiences, can shape perceptual interpretations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether cognitive models of mechanical systems influence action-to-perception transfer.
• To examine how prior experience with different mechanical couplings (belt vs. gears) affects perceptual stability of ambiguous motion.

Main Methods:

• Participants observed an ambiguous structure-from-motion cylinder after experiencing one of two mechanical models (belt or gears).
• Observers reported the perceived cylinder rotation by manipulating a device in either the same or opposite direction.
• The interaction between perceived motion, manual action, and the prior mechanical model was analyzed for perceptual stability.

Main Results:

• A known congruency effect was observed for the 'belt' model, where same-direction action stabilized perceived motion.
• For the 'gear' model, where congruency requires opposite-direction action, no perception-action congruency effect was found.
• The cognitive model and perceptual congruency effects nullified each other in the 'gear' condition.

Conclusions:

• An observer's internal model of a machine's operation significantly guides action-to-perception transfer.
• Cognitive biases derived from mechanical experience can override or interact with direct perceptual-action congruency.
• Perceptual stability is modulated by the interplay between learned mechanical priors and real-time action feedback.