Title: Mapping Spatial Structure in Tactile Perception

Abstract: The sense of touch supports rich spatial perception. In contrast to vision, however, the mechanisms underlying spatial perception of touch are poorly understood. In this talk I will discuss recent work from our lab investigating spatial structure in tactile perception and its underlying mechanisms. First, I will discuss work showing large distortions in the perceived distance between touches and discuss the factors that shape these effects. Second, I will discuss adaptation aftereffects for tactile distance, which suggest that tactile distance is a basic somatosensory feature. Finally, I will discuss prototype effects underlying localisation of touch on the skin.