OVS03 - Evaluation of novel motion perception tests under different lighting conditions

Overview

Perceiving and interpreting motion in the visual world is an important and complex visual process involved in activities such as driving, which involves the motion of both the driver’s own vehicle and that of other road users. Research has explored the association between tests of motion sensitivity and a range of indices of driving performance and safety, to better understand the role of motion sensitivity in driving and its ability to predict driving performance and safety. Collectively, the findings suggest that motion sensitivity is important in the timely detection of hazards, as well as for visually guided vehicle control behaviours (e.g., lane-keeping). Impaired motion sensitivity has been shown to be associated with delayed hazard response times in computer-based tests, impaired driving performance assessed in closed and open road studies, as well as increased crash risk.

The human visual system can operate under a wide range of light levels, including bright, sunny days, when the cone photo-receptors are operating (known as photopic), to night-time road environments, where vision is mediated by the rods and cone photo-receptors (known as mesopic).

The present study will explore novel computer-based methods for assessing of motion perception under mesopic and photopic light levels the are relevant to night-time driving.

This topic will be of interest to researchers in the fields of vision science (optometry) and visual perception (psychology).

Research engagement

• Literature review, lab-based vision assessments

Research activities

• Literature review
• Recruitment and testing of participants
• Data collation and preliminary analysis
• Report writing

All of these activities will be undertaken under close supervision of the supervisory team.

Research skills

Experience will be gained in undertaking literature searches, synthesis of research evidence, clinical assessment skills, written scientific reporting.

Outcomes

Literature review, report of findings from the lab-based vision assessments

Skills and experience

Well-developed organisational skills and ability to display initiative and work independently with direction and high level of interpersonal communication skills with the ability to liaise with people from diverse groups and backgrounds, and connect and collaborate with colleagues in a team environment.

Basic knowledge of and skills in the use of statistical packages with experience in the collection, analysis and reporting on data and sound computer literacy skills, including intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Start date

2 November, 2026

End date

19 February, 2027

Location

Kelvin Grove Campus - O-Block in the Centre for Vision and Eye Research

Additional information

Access to lab-based facilities and clinical assessment tools.

Keywords

• motion perception
• lighting
• road safety
• vision assessments

Contact

• Alex Black

• 31385704

• aa.black@qut.edu.au