Illusory Upward Self-Motion Results in a Decrease in Perceived Room Temperature

Takeharu Seno, George H. Van Doorn

1Institute for Advanced Study, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan 2Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan 3Research Center for Applied Perceptual Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
School of Applied Media and Social Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

DOI: 10.4236/psych.2013.411118                

Abstract

Purpose: Stationary observers often experience illusory self-motion (vection) when they are exposed to large patterns of optic flow. The effect of different temperatures on the strength of vection was investigated. Method: Eleven participants were exposed to visual stimuli that induced illusory motion (up, down) in three room temperatures (26°C - 27°C, 21°C - 22°C, 5°C - 6°C). Participants rated (a) the vection magnitude, and (b) the room temperature (twice; before and after vection). Results: Upward vection was rated as stronger than downward vection in the 26°C - 27°C temperature. In addition, after experiencing upward and downward vection, subjective ratings of room temperature decreased and increased, respectively, when the room temperature was 26°C - 27°C. This effect was not observed when the room was 5°C - 6°C. Conclusion: These results suggest that a cross modal association exists between the direction “up” and 26°C - 27°C temperatures.

Keywords

Vection; Temperature; Vision; Illusory Self-Motion

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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