Perception of dynamic changes

How do we process information about dynamic changes of objects (e.g., the ball in sport, or cars driving by), especially given the neuronal latencies of human information processing? In our research, we are interested in the mechanism underlying the perception of dynamic objects, and proposed (and are still testing and refining) a Bayesian-Brain inspired idea of speed expectations playing a central role in informing our everyday perception.

Exemplary Publications

Merz, S., Förster, V., Rupp, D., Wächtershäuser, T., Frings, C., Spence, C., & Meyerhoff, H. S. (2026). No error on the side of safety: No representational momentum for auditory looming stimuli. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 33, 73. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-026-02868-w

Merz, S., Spence, C., & Frings, C. (2023). Need for (expected) speed: Exploring the indirect influence of trial type consistency on representational momentum. Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics, 85(8), 2637–2654. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13414-023-02796-0

Merz, S., Soballa, P., Spence, C., & Frings, C. (2022). The speed prior account: A new theory to explain multiple phenomena regarding dynamic information. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 151(10), 2418–2436. https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0001212