Influencing selective perception and fantasy by stimulating body landmarks.

A series of five experiments were performed to test a general theoretical model which conceptualizes the sensory prominence of various body sectors as providing persistent peripheral signals which can modify central perceptual and fantasy processes. Two experiments involved stimulation of right versus left and front versus back body sites by means of a vibrator and determining the effects upon tachistoscopic perception of specific themes. Two other experiments likewise concerned vibratory stimulation of right versus left and front versus back body sites, but the effects were measured hi terms of the production of Thematic Apperception Test themes. A fifth study evaluated the impact of rightversus left-side body injury upon tachistoscopic perception of a specific theme. The general findings were supportive of the model.