Size and direction of distortion in geometric-optical illusions: conciliation between the Müller-Lyer and Titchener configurations

Perception
Farshad Nemati

Abstract

Over the past few decades, different theories have been advanced to explain geometric-optical illusions based on various perceptual processes such as assimilation and/or contrast. Consistent with the contradictory effects of assimilation and contrast, Pressey's assimilation theory provided an explanation for the Müller-Lyer illusion, but failed to account for the Titchener (Ebbinghaus) illusion. A model that explains both Müller-Lyer and Titchener illusions according to a common underlying process may outline a unified explanation for a variety of geometric-optical illusions. In order to develop such a model, the concept of empty space is introduced as an area of the illusory figure that is not filled by line drawings. It was predicted that the magnitude of illusion would increase with the area of the empty space around the illusory figures. The effect of empty space on the magnitude of perceptual distortion was measured in Müller-Lyer figures, with outward arrowheads of different length. The results indicated an overestimation of the target stimulus in all of the figures. Nevertheless, consistent with the prediction of the present model, the horizontal line in the Müller-Lyer figure with the longest arrowheads appeared shorter...Continue Reading

References

Jul 21, 1979·Journal of Theoretical Biology·J Ninio
Aug 1, 1977·Perceptual and Motor Skills·T N Davies, J Spencer
Sep 1, 1992·Perception & Psychophysics·J Predebon
Dec 1, 1986·Perceptual and Motor Skills·D J Schiano
Apr 1, 1985·Perception & Psychophysics·A MackD Chambers
Jun 1, 1985·Perception & Psychophysics·B Gillam, D Chambers
Aug 1, 1974·The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·N Worrall, D Firth
Oct 1, 1974·Journal of Experimental Psychology·A Erlebacher, R Sekuler
Oct 1, 1972·Journal of Experimental Psychology·J S GirgusM Agdern
Mar 1, 1966·Psychological Review·L Ganz
May 1, 1970·The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·S Coren
Nov 1, 1970·British Journal of Psychology·E S Eriksson
Jul 1, 1971·Journal of Experimental Psychology·D W Massaro, N H Anderson
Jun 1, 1967·Perceptual and Motor Skills·R E Dewar
Feb 1, 1968·British Journal of Psychology·J O Robinson
Nov 1, 1968·Scientific American·R L Gregory
Nov 1, 1968·British Journal of Psychology·B J Fellows
Jun 1, 1969·Journal of Experimental Psychology·A Erlebacher, R Sekuler
Aug 1, 1969·Journal of Experimental Psychology·F Restle, C Merryman
Oct 1, 1966·Life Sciences·R T Green, B F Stacey
Aug 1, 1967·The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·V Virsu
Aug 1, 1967·The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·B J Fellows
Oct 1, 1967·Perceptual and Motor Skills·A W Pressey
Nov 1, 1993·Perception & Psychophysics·S Coren, J T Enns
Feb 1, 1993·Perceptual and Motor Skills·T Jaeger, K Grasso
Jan 20, 1998·Biological cybernetics·A BulatovL Mickiene
Jan 1, 1967·The Journal of General Physiology·G von Békésy
Mar 21, 1964·Nature·R T GREEN, E M HOYLE
Apr 1, 1950·Journal of Experimental Psychology·W KOHLER, J FISHBACK
Jun 1, 1950·Journal of Experimental Psychology·W KOHLER, J FISHBACK
Oct 24, 2007·Vision Research·Kai HamburgerKarl R Gegenfurtner

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.