Perceptual dimensions of tactile textures

The present study investigated the perceptual dimensions of everyday tactile textures and the semantics associated with touch experiences. In Experiment 1, the nature of the tactile descriptors present in the memory of 40 volunteers was investigated. Results suggested the existence of a limited but consensual tactile repertory. In Experiment 2, 20 volunteers used a free-sorting task to sort 24 car seat materials, with different tactile properties, on the basis of perceived similarity. Sorted groups were then characterized further by producing verbal labels. Multidimensional scaling and correspondence analysis indicated that the tactile texture space did not exceed four dimensions. The hypothesized perceptual dimensions were soft/harsh, thin/thick, relief and hardness. Further evidence for the relevance of these dimensions was provided in Experiment 3, in which participants were asked to evaluate the stimuli according to unipolar adjective scales corresponding to the previously derived dimensions. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.