The effect of color on visual velocity estimation.

Abstract

The study reports an investigation of the effects caused by the color of a moving light source on the ability of subjects to estimate the velocity of that light source. The variable used for comparison was travel time estimated over fixed distances. The study also provides an investigation into possible differences in the travel time estimate between an experienced and an inexperienced group of subjects. The experiment varied the color of the light source, the distance over which the estimation was made, and the velocity of the light source presented to the subjects. Results showed that the color had no significant effect on the ability of the subjects to estimate travel time and, therefore, velocity. The results also showed that no significant difference existed between the groups of subjects tested.