Use of remote data collection methodology to test for an illusory effect on visually guided cursor movements

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Perception

Background:

• Visually guided action research typically uses lab-based experiments.
• Remote data collection offers a feasible alternative for behavioral studies.
• The Ebbinghaus illusion manipulates perceived target size.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the feasibility of remote data collection for studying perception's influence on visually guided action.
• To investigate how the Ebbinghaus illusion affects cursor movements.
• To explore the impact of perceived target size on movement planning and execution.

Main Methods:

• Participants completed a remote experiment using personal laptops and trackpads.
• The study involved visually guided cursor movement tasks with the Ebbinghaus illusion.
• Three experiments varied task demands: speed-accuracy trade-off, speed emphasis, and accuracy emphasis.

Main Results:

• Participants' perception of target size was influenced by the Ebbinghaus illusion.
• The illusion did not significantly affect click-point accuracy or movement time.
• Increased directional changes in cursor movement were observed for targets perceived as larger.

Conclusions:

• Remote data collection is a viable method for perception-action research.
• The Ebbinghaus illusion impacts the planning phase of visually guided cursor movements.
• Later stages of movement execution appear less affected by perceived size illusions.