Stronger serial dependence in the depth plane than the fronto-parallel plane between realistic objects: Evidence from...

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Perception Psychology
• Virtual Reality Research

Background:

• Serial dependence, a systematic bias in visual estimates toward previously seen stimuli, is crucial for perceptual continuity.
• Previous research primarily focused on 2D stimuli, limiting understanding of 3D perceptual biases.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers a novel platform to investigate complex 3D visual processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serial dependence in three-dimensional (3D) visual perception using natural objects in a virtual reality environment.
• To determine how depth cues and object properties influence serial dependence in 3D space.
• To explore the object specificity of serial dependence in a VR setting.

Main Methods:

• Experiment 1: Observers reproduced the orientation of 3D virtual objects, with manipulated rotation planes and distances.
• Experiment 2: Object identity was varied across trials to assess the specificity of serial dependence.
• Experiment 3: Retinal size and distance were manipulated to isolate factors influencing serial dependence.

Main Results:

• Significant positive serial dependence effects were observed in 3D VR.
• Larger biases occurred with in-depth object rotation and increased viewing distance.
• Serial dependence was robust across different object identities and categories.
• Retinal size, not VR depth cues, most strongly modulated serial dependence.

Conclusions:

• The increased uncertainty introduced by the third dimension in VR enhances serial dependence.
• Investigating serial dependence in VR provides more accurate insights into perceptual biases.
• Findings suggest that visual system adaptations for 3D environments may contribute to these biases.