Is active perception better than passive perception? Examining the role of action in perception through a systematic literature review and comprehensive behavioral experiments

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K18163
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 90030:Cognitive science-related
• Research Institution: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University
• Principal Investigator: Sangati Ekaterina 沖縄科学技術大学院大学, 神経計算ユニット, ポストドクトラルスカラー (70898246)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: active perception / systematic review / perceptual interfaces / size estimation

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This project explored the benefits of active vs. passive perception by means of a systematic literature review and a behavioral experiment. Our systematic review identified 86 relevant studies from four different sensory modalities. We extracted data that allowed us to relate perceptual outcomes to task specifics and found that while active perception generally improves perceptual accuracy, results vary significantly by sensory modality and task. In our behavioral experiment, we used a 2D object size estimation task with an interface composed of a robotic arm and sensory substitution device. Results indicated that cognitive involvement enhances perceptual accuracy, but no significant difference was found between active and passive modes of exploration. The study also highlighted the need for improved experimental interfaces for more comprehensive research.

Free Research Field

embodied cognition

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

The research advances understanding of how active and passive exploration impact perceptual performance, contributing to cognitive science. It also informs the design of perceptual interfaces, sensory substitution devices and rehabilitation programs.