The basis for the relationship between physical stimulus and magnitude
of psychological response in angular movements of the upper limbs was
investigated. Participants compared movements to a standard location
with movements to comparison locations and movements of a standard dis
tance with movements of comparison distances. The results add to the c
ontroversy surrounding the explanations for the differences in psychol
ogical response magnitude of movements to locations and movements acro
ss distances. Data obtained from movements to locations and movements
across distances indicated similar Weber ratios but different patterns
for the just noticeable differences. The data of this and previous re
search suggest that the application of a prothetic continuum to arm mo
vements is inappropriate. An alternative explanation of the difference
s in the perception of movements to locations and movements across dis
tances is offered.