Anticipation in feedback-delayed manual tracking of a chaotic oscillator

Exp Brain Res. 2009 Oct;198(4):521-5. doi: 10.1007/s00221-009-1940-0. Epub 2009 Jul 16.

Abstract

Manual tracking of non-chaotic targets, with and without feedback delay, as well as discrete prediction of chaotic maps have each been demonstrated by humans. Feedback-delayed tracking of chaotic targets, on the other hand, has not been well investigated. To this end, 10 participants were asked to track a chaotically moving target presented on a computer display by means of controlling a similar on-screen object using a pressure sensitive tablet and hand-held stylus. The participants were given delayed visual feedback of their own movements. Task success subsequently required anticipation on the part of the participant. Using 6 values of delay from 20 ms to 1 s, evidence shows that (a) participants are able to synchronize with a chaotic target, even with some amount of applied delay, (b) task performance varies systematically with applied delay, and (c) this same systematic dependence is predicted for systems exhibiting anticipating synchronization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Feedback, Psychological*
  • Female
  • Hand*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Periodicity*
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Psychomotor Performance*
  • Time Factors
  • Visual Perception