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Cited by 241Vestibular and auditory disordersMotor Control and AdaptationVisual perception and processing mechanisms

An ecological theory of orientation and the vestibular system.

Stoffregen, Thomas A., Riccio, Gary E.·1988·Psychological Review
DOI 10.1037/0033-295x.95.1.3
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Abstract

In this article we provide evidence against a fundamental assumption of traditional theories of orientation--that gravitoinertial force is perceived. We argue that orientation is based on information that is available in patterns of motion of the organism. We further argue that perception and control of orientation depend not only on information about an organism's motions relative to the local force environment but also on information about the surface of support and about the compensatory actions of the organism. We describe these kinds of information and discuss their availability to, and across, different perceptual systems. The use of this information for the control of orientation is emphasized. We conclude with recommendations for research based on the new approach. How do organisms orient themselves in the environment? To what do they orient? The answer to these questions has seemed so obvious for so long that it is taken for granted: Organisms orient to gravity. They sit, stand, walk, run, throw, catch, dance, and do gymnastics relative to the omnipresent force of gravity. Gravity is probably the most important spatial reference cue for an organism (Schone, 1984, p. 258). Within this context, what are the functions of the perceptual systems? How do the perceptual systems contribute to the achievement and maintenance of orientation in terrestrial environments and in such situations as flight and weightlessness? In this article we analyze the information for orientation that is available to the perceptual systems. Our analysis leads us to two important areas of disagreement with the classical approach to spatial orientation. One is in the nature of the information for orientation; this is discussed in the first half of the article. The other concerns cooperation between perceptual systems in the perception and control of orientation and is dis

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  • The ecological theory of motion sickness is a corollary of the ecological theory of orientation, which holds that perception of the upright is determined by the direction of dynamic balance.

    “It is a corollary of the ecological theory of orientation that holds that perception of the upright is determined by the direction of dynamic balance (Stoffregen and Riccio 1988).”

    From Motion sickness: more than nausea and vomiting (2014) · cites this paper as Stoffregen and Riccio 1988

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Authors
Stoffregen, T. A., & Riccio, G. E.
Affiliations
  • Miami Valley Hospital (US)
  • Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (US)
ORCID
Venue
Psychological Review
Publisher
American Psychological Association (APA)
Published
1988
Volume
95
Issue
1
Pages
3-14
ISSN
  • 0033-295X (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-1471
DOI
10.1037/0033-295x.95.1.3
OpenAlex
W1996621312
Cited by
241
References
56
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 6
FWCI
5.27
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Psychological Review (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Vestibular and auditory disorders
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Motor Control and Adaptation
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Visual perception and processing mechanisms
Keywords
spatial orientation, vestibular system, gravitoinertial force, gravity perception, movement patterns, compensatory strategies, perceptual systems, orientation control, microgravity, flight
MeSH terms
Animals, Gravitation, Humans, Orientation, Social Environment, Vestibule, Labyrinth

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