| Abstract: | Investigated the phenomenon of representational momentum as reported by the 1st 2 authors (see record 1984-16934-001) in cases where visual memories are distorted by implied motions of the elements of a pattern, conducting 3 experiments with 48 undergraduates. It was predicted that these memory distortions should be sensitive not only to the direction of the implied motions but also to changes in the implied velocity. Ss observed a sequence of dot-pattern displays that implied that the dots were moving at either a constant velocity or constant acceleration, but in separate directions. Discrimination functions for recognizing the final pattern in the sequence revealed that Ss' memories had shifted forward, corresponding to small continuations of the implied motions. The induced memory shifts increased in size as the implied velocity and acceleration of the dots increased but were eliminated when the display sequence implied a deceleration of the dots to a final velocity of zero. It is suggested that mentally extrapolated motion may have some of the same inertial properties as actual physical motion. (30 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
