TY - JOUR PY - 2010// TI - Anisotropy of environmental perception caused by spatial changes during locomotion JO - Journal of environmental psychology A1 - Inagami, Makoto A1 - Ohno, Ryuzo SP - 258 EP - 266 VL - 30 IS - 2 N2 - Daily perception entails an immediate awareness of the environment surrounding the body. To explore its dynamic nature during locomotion, this study tests the hypothesis that significant changes in spatial volume induce the directional focusing (i.e., anisotropy) of environmental perception. To capture perceptual activity in its natural state, we have attempted an approach using the feeling of visual pressure (i.e., felt presence) caused by the surrounding environment. In the present experiment that uses a virtual reality setup, participants were required to continuously rate their feelings while moving along a virtual outdoor route. Their ratings were analyzed in relation to environmental measurements along the route, such as the visible area of buildings and the horizontal extent of surrounding space. The relationship between the ratings and measurements was explored by using two prediction models: with and without consideration of perceptual anisotropy. The results suggested that a consideration of anisotropy improved the prediction accuracy, thereby supporting our hypothesis.

LA - SN - 0272-4944 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2009.11.008 ID - ref1 ER -