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A linear perception-action mapping accounts for response range-dependent biases in heading estimation from optic
Qi Sun1,2,3, Ling-Hao Xu4, Alan A Stocker5
1School of Psychology, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China.
Plos Computational Biology
|June 9, 2025
Summary
Human heading estimation from optic flow is biased by response range size, not inherent perception differences. Our findings reveal heading estimates scale with response range, explaining prior inconsistencies.
Area of Science:
- Visual perception
- Neuroscience
- Human spatial orientation
Background:
- Accurate heading estimation from optic flow is vital for human spatial perception.
- Previous studies show inconsistent biases in heading estimates (center vs. peripheral bias).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of conflicting results in human heading estimation studies.
- To determine if response range size influences heading estimates.
- To develop a model explaining heading estimation variability.
Main Methods:
- Conducted three psychophysical experiments with varying response ranges.
- Analyzed heading estimates based on optic flow patterns.
- Developed and tested a Bayesian heading estimation model.
Main Results:
- Heading estimates monotonically scaled with the size of the response range.
- Underestimation occurred with small response ranges; overestimation with large ranges.
- Neither optic flow speed nor response method significantly affected estimates.
Conclusions:
- Conflicting heading estimation biases stem from response range size, not inherent perceptual differences.
- Human heading perception aligns with efficient Bayesian inference.
- A perception-action model accurately predicts heading reports based on response mapping.
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