Effects of training in space orientation on perception of the upright.

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Abstract
The present study attempted to teach subjects (Ss) how to effectively utilize postural experiences in perception of the upright. An experimental group (25 Ss) and control group (20 Ss) were given the following pretests: (a) With S tilted, a luminous cube in a completely darkened room was adjusted to the true upright; (b) The same task for S in an upright position; (c) With S tilted, a luminous rod surrounded by this cube was adjusted to the true upright. Subsequently the experimental group alone was given 1 hr. of specialized training in space orientation, employing various positions of body tilt and emphasizing bodily cues. Both groups then were retested on the same original tests. No significant improvement occurred in either group with the body upright in the Cube Test, though training led to significant improvement in the Cube Test with the body tilted. While there also was significant improvement in the control group upon re-testing in the Cube Test, the improvement shown by the experimental group was significantly greater than that of the control group. The training also led to significant improvement in the experimental group in the Rod-in-Cube Test, which served as a test of transfer. In contrast, no significant improvement was shown by the control group in the Rod-in-Cube Test. The noted improvements were attended by increased stability of the visual field, and in most cases, represented real changes in the perceptions themselves. Marked individual differences in the degree to which training led to improvement in orientation also were noted.

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