Citation

Witt JK, Proffitt DR, Epstein W. Perception 2004; 33(5): 577-590.

Affiliation

University of Virginia, PO Box 400400, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2477, USA. jw2ex@cms.mail.virginia.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, SAGE Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15250663

Abstract

Perceiving egocentric distance is not only a function of the optical variables to which it relates, but also a function of people's current physiological potential to perform intended actions. In a set of experiments, we showed that, as the effort associated with walking increases, perceived distance increases if the perceiver intends to walk the extent, but not if the perceiver intends to throw. Conversely, as the effort associated with throwing increases, perceived distance increases if people intend to throw to the target, but not if they intend to walk. Perceiving distance combines the geometry of the world with our behavior goals and the potential of our body to achieve these goals.

Language: en