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Vertical height estimates of pitched balls

Abstract Details

2020, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Vision Science.
Hitting a baseball or intercepting a moving object in space requires processing multiple variables either in parallel or in close succession. These factors including deducing “where” the object is, “where” it is heading (direction of motion in depth), and “when” it will intercept or pass the observer (time to contact or time to passage). Research has been done to isolate what variables observers use to make these calculations. Tau, the object’s instantaneous retinal image size divided by its rate of change in retinal image size, has been extensively studied as a potential cue for time to collision and time to passage calculations. A binocular ratio similar to that of tau has also been proposed as a cue for time to collision and time to passage. For calculation of the direction of motion in depth, various cues have been proposed to calculate approach angle including the vertical visual angle and the gap closure angle. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the ability of observers to estimate the vertical height of pitched balls when minimal cues to time to passage were provided, and cues for the direction of motion in depth such as the vertical approach angle or rate of change in vertical angle as measured from the eyes were mostly eliminated. A secondary goal of the experiment was to determine the extent to which experience plays a role in the ability to estimate vertical height of the pitched balls. To do this, balls were pitched toward participants standing 40 feet away from a pitching machine. Netting was set up 9 feet from the machine to stop the pitched balls. Participants were tasked with estimating the ultimate vertical location of the balls at the observer if the balls had completed their trajectory. 6 different ball speeds ranging from about 56mph to 80mph were used. Overall, participants did demonstrate lower vertical height estimates at lower speeds compared to higher speeds. However, these height estimates were inaccurate, especially at lower speeds. In comparing participants with experience in baseball or softball to participants with no experience in these sports, it was found that vertical height estimates were more accurate at higher speeds for the experienced group. There was also less between-subject variability for the experienced group. The ability to perform this task is hypothesized to be due to an internal model of gravity utilized by participants. The faster a ball is pitched; the less time gravitational effects will have to influence the drop of the pitched balls. If participants are able to use an internal model of gravity combined with a rapid estimate of the time to passage, reasonable vertical height estimates would be possible. Proposals for future studies include providing feedback to participants regarding their vertical height responses to determine if knowledge of the accuracy of previous height estimates improves future estimates, and the use of a more defined cohort of experienced players (varsity high school or higher) compared to a control group. This study has implications in the field of optometry as sports vision training is a growing field. If future studies provide evidence that training could aid in predictions about the vertical height of pitches when they arrive at a batter, training in this task could be beneficial to competitive athletes.
Nicklaus Fogt, OD, PhD (Advisor)
Teng Leng Ooi, PhD (Committee Member)
Aaron Zimmerman, OD, MS (Committee Member)
44 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Sander, J. V. (2020). Vertical height estimates of pitched balls [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1576607357582938

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Sander, Jacob. Vertical height estimates of pitched balls. 2020. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1576607357582938.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Sander, Jacob. "Vertical height estimates of pitched balls." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1576607357582938

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)