The effects of prediction errors and movement speed on pseudo-haptic sensations

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Perception

Background:

• Pseudo-haptic sensations are illusory tactile experiences created by altering visual feedback of object motion.
• Existing theories suggest these sensations stem from prediction errors in a forward model or from statistical correlations between object properties and movement speed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the underlying mechanisms of pseudo-haptic sensations by differentiating spatial prediction errors from movement speed.
• To determine the independent and combined contributions of prediction errors and movement speed to perceived resistance and agency.

Main Methods:

• Participants controlled a cursor on a sine-wave pathway, with movement influenced by their input and pre-recorded data, creating varying levels of control.
• Cursor speed was manipulated in a specific zone, independent of mouse movement speed, allowing for separation of spatial error and speed effects.
• A linear mixed-effects model analyzed the impact of spatial prediction error and trial completion time (effective movement speed) on perceived resistance.

Main Results:

• Both spatial prediction error and effective movement speed (indicated by trial completion time) were significant predictors of the sense of resistance.
• The findings suggest that prediction errors and movement speed contribute to pseudo-haptic sensations through distinct mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Pseudo-haptic sensations are modulated by both the discrepancy between expected and actual movement (prediction error) and the perceived speed of the object.
• These factors likely engage separate neural or cognitive processes contributing to the overall illusory haptic experience.