An Ecological Critique of the Sensory Conflict Theory of Motion Sickness
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 14982630 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Thomas A Stoffregen (0000-0003-1467-9168, University of Cincinnati, corresponding author), Gary E Riccio (0009-0002-8613-1126, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) |
| Year | 1991 |
| Volume | 3 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 159-194 |
| Publication date | 1991-09-01 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Ecological Psychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1040-7413 • E-ISSN: 1532-6969 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1207/s15326969eco0303_1 |
| OpenAlex | W1975382142 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 6 |
| References cited | 51 |
In this article we present a critique of the sensory conflict theory of motion sickness. We discuss three forms of sensory conflict that are believed to exist: input conflict, output conflict, and expectancy violation. We argue that any concept of sensory conflict necessarily entails the violation of internal expectations and, hence, that the three forms of conflict are logically identical. In the motion sickness literature, it is implicit that the expected pattern is one in which the inputs of the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems are redundant. We argue that an expectation of redundancy cannot plausibly result from interaction with the environment. We review data indicating that nonredundant patterns of intermodal stimulation lead to adaptive changes in the control of behavior; this implies that the calculation of nauseogenic conflict must be unrelated to the control of behavior. Moreover, we argue that no single pattern of sensory stimulation, redundant or otherwise, can serve as a reliable standard or expecta- tion for the calculation of sensory conflict. We conclude that there is no principled basis on which the conflict theory can distinguish between nauseogenic and nonnauseogenic situations. It follows that the concept of sensory conflict cannot provide a theoretical explanation for the existence of motion sickness. We review data suggesting an important role for the control of behavior in the etiology of motion sickness. This suggests a new basis for understanding the phenomena of motion sickness
Cognitive psychology · Conflict resolution · Conflict theories · Control (management · Expectancy theory · Motion (physics · Motion sickness · Sensory system · Sociology · Vestibular system · Computer Science · Motor Control and Adaptation · Neuroscience · Psychology · Social Psychology · Vestibular and auditory disorders · Visual perception and processing mechanisms · Artificial Intelligence
The Senses Considered as One Perceptual System
Human Echolocation as a Basic Form of Perception and Action
An Experimental Evaluation of Sensory Conflict Versus Postural Control Theories of Motion Sickness
An ecological Theory of Motion Sickness and Postural Instability
Haptic and Visual Perception of an Affordance for Upright Posture
Dizzy Rhythms
| Citations per year | 0.17 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 1991 - 2024 (34) |
| Highly cited | No |