Haptic perception: A tutorial

• Published in: Attention, perception & psychophysics Vol. 71; no. 7; pp. 1439 - 1459
• Main Authors: Lederman, S. J., Klatzky, R. L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer-Verlag 01.10.2009; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Behavioral Science and Psychology; Biological and medical sciences; Cognitive Development; Cognitive Psychology; Evidence; Feedback (Response); Fingers - innervation; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Imagery; Joints - innervation; Kinesthesis - physiology; Mechanoreceptors - physiology; Muscle, Skeletal - innervation; Neuronal Plasticity - physiology; Neurosciences; Orientation - physiology; Perception; Perception - physiology; Peripheral Nerves - physiology; Phenomenology; Proprioception - physiology; Psychiatry; Psychology; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Sensory Thresholds - physiology; Skin; Skin - innervation; Stereognosis - physiology; Studies; Tactile perception; Tactual Perception; Tendons - innervation; Touch - physiology; Tutorial Review; Vision; Haptic Perception; Visual Imagery; Sighted Subject; Tactile Perception; Glabrous Skin; Human; Tactile sensitivity; Mechanoreceptor; Vision; Central nervous system; Perception; Cognition; Space perception; Review; Mechanical stimulus; Intermodal perception; Encephalon
• ISSN: 1943-3921; 1943-393X; 1943-393X
• DOI: 10.3758/APP.71.7.1439

This tutorial focuses on the sense of touch within the context of a fully active human observer. It is intended for graduate students and researchers outside the discipline who seek an introduction to the rapidly evolving field of human haptics. The tutorial begins with a review of peripheral sensory receptors in skin, muscles, tendons, and joints. We then describe an extensive body of research on “what” and “where” channels, the former dealing with haptic perception of objects, surfaces, and their properties, and the latter with perception of spatial layout on the skin and in external space relative to the perceiver. We conclude with a brief discussion of other significant issues in the field, including vision-touch interactions, affective touch, neural plasticity, and applications.