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Mass estimation and discrimination during brief periods of zero gravityUnder zero gravity, the gravitational cues to mass are removed, but the inertial cues remain. A sensation of heaviness is generated if objects are shaken, and hence given a changing acceleration. A magnitude estimation experiment was conducted during the 0-G phase of parabolic flight and on the ground, and the results suggested that objects felt lighter under 0 G than under 1 G. Mass discrimination was also measured in flight, and yielded Weber fractions of .18 under 0 G, .16 under 1.8 G, and .09 under 1 G. Poor performance under microgravity and macrogravity was probably due mainly to lack of time for adaptation to changed G levels. It is predicted that discrimination should improve during the course of prolonged spaceflight, and that there should be an aftereffect of poor discrimination on return to earth.
Document ID
19820052234
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Ross, H. E.
(Stirling, University Stirling, United Kingdom)
Reschke, M. F.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Neuroscience and Behavior Laboratory, Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: Perception and Psychophysics
Volume: 31
Issue: 5, Ma
Subject Category
Behavioral Sciences
Accession Number
82A35769
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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