Accession Number:

ADA235654

Title:

A Test of Thumb and Index Finger Control in Overcoming a Visual Analogue of the Giant Hand Illusion.

Descriptive Note:

Rept. for 1 Jan-1 Jun 90,

Corporate Author:

SCHOOL OF AEROSPACE MEDICINE BROOKS AFB TX

Personal Author(s):

• Weinstein, Lisa F.
• Previc, Fred H.
• Simpson, Carl G.
• Lyons, Terence J.
• Gillingham, Kent K.

Report Date:

1991-04-01

Pagination or Media Count:

7.0

Abstract:

Anecdotal evidence suggests that a thumb and index finger grip might facilitate recovery from the manifestation of spatial disorientation known as the giant hand phenomenon. Sixteen pilots volunteered as subjects in an experiment that compared the effectiveness of the thumb and index finger versus the whole hand technique to overcome a visually induced analogue of the giant hand phenomenon. Thumb and index finger control produced greater stability overall, but did not overcome the specific tracking bias induced by a background visual roll stimulus. Various hypotheses are discussed as to why the thumb and index finger technique was ineffective in the present instance.

Descriptors:

• *MANUAL OPERATION
• *CONTROL
• *FINGERS
• VOLUNTEERS
• AIRCRAFT
• REPRINTS
• PILOTS

Subject Categories:

• Military Aircraft Operations
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Human Factors Engineering and Man Machine Systems

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE