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Although several types of sensory input often contribute to self-motion perception, a moving optical array alone can
result in perceived self-motion, or vection (Fischer & Kornmüller, 1930; Tschermak, 1931). By studying vection, vision’s
role in self-motion perception can be isolated. Logic dictates that if all sensory inputs are held constant except for visual
input the self-motion perceived must be caused by the visual input alone.
Vection experiments have been conducted
in our lab using an optokinetic drum. Under optokinetic drum conditions, a stationary observer views the patterned interior
of a rotating drum (see below, left). The observer is instructed to simply look at the interior of the drum as it rotates.
Within 30 seconds, most observers experience circular vection in the direction opposite to that of the drum’s true rotation
(see below, right). By carefully altering the drum’s interior, the effects of visual variables that affect self-motion
perception can be tested.
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