Multiple-object tracking is based on scene, not retinal, coordinates.
This study tested whether multiple-object tracking-the ability to visually index objects on the basis of their spatiotemporal history-is scene based or image based. Initial experiments showed equivalent tracking accuracy for objects in 2-D and 3-D motion. Subsequent experiments manipulated the speeds of objects independent of the speed of the scene as a whole. Results showed that tracking accuracy was influenced by object speed but not by scene speed. This held true whether the scene underwent translation, zoom, rotation, or even combinations of all 3 motions. A final series of experiments interfered with observers' ability to see a coherent scene by moving objects at different speeds from one another and by distorting the perception of 3-D space. These reductions in scene coherence led to reduced tracking accuracy, confirming that tracking is accomplished using a scene-based, or allocentric, frame of reference.
Liu
Geniva
G
Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Austen
Erin L
EL
Booth
Kellogg S
KS
Fisher
Brian D
BD
Argue
Ritchie
R
Rempel
Mark I
MI
Enns
James T
JT
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003463:Cues; D003867:Depth Perception; D005133:Eye Movements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009039:Motion Perception; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology*; D011601:Psychophysics; D012160:Retina / Q000502:physiology; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*