Unit 2 - Vision, Audition and Tactile Feedback

Question 1

describe sensory feedback

Answer 1

• we gain information about many aspects of our movements through our sensory system
• this is particularly relevant in human factors when we experience an “error”

Question 2

describe tactile discrimination

Answer 2

our tactile senses are important aspect of our sensorimotor feedback, allowing us to detect, differentiate, and respond to stimuli that touch our skin

Question 3

what test did we do for tactile discrimination in class?

Answer 3

Weber Two-Point Discrimination Test

Question 4

what did you need for the Weber two-point discrimination test?

Answer 4

1) paperclip - unfold it into a U shape
2) ruler
3) partner/group of 3

Question 5

What were the instructions for the participant in the 2-point discrimination test?

Answer 5

• eyes closed, palm up on desk
• when “poked,” respond with a verbal “1 point” if you feel only 1 paperclip end, or respond “2 points” if you feel 2 paperclip ends

Question 6

What were the instructions for the researcher in the 2-point discrimination test?

Answer 6

• randomize the ‘stimuli’ order (DIY)
• (there are equal 1 points and 2 points)
• adjust the U paperclip to the size of your chosen stimuli with the ruler
• lightly “poke” the participant
• check or x the participants verbal response, do not indicate correctness

Question 7

what was location A for the 2-point discrimination test?

Answer 7

index fingerpad

Question 8

what was location B for the 2-point discrimination test?

Answer 8

palm of hand

Question 9

what was location C for the 2-point discrimination test?

Answer 9

shin

Question 10

how do body areas differ in our tactile discrimination abilities? (average thresholds for discrimination)

Answer 10

fingertip: 2-8 mm
palm: 8-12 mm
shin: 30-40 mm
*lips are also sensitive, 2-4 mm
* back would be a lot lower, similar to shin

Question 11

define two-point discrimination

Answer 11

the ability to discern that two nearby objects touching the skin are two distinct points, not one

Question 12

describe two-point discrimination

Answer 12

• reflects how finely innervated an area of skin is
• used for assessing tactile perception
• differed body areas differ in tactile receptor density and somatosensory cortical representation

Question 13

describe tactile discrimination (pt2)

Answer 13

• when designing spaces with controls/tools/buttons, important to consider our tactile discrimination
• is the information and feedback that we are conveying strong/salient enough to minimize errors?
• adding tactile information can help improve efficiencies