Perception of illusory movement

Nature. 1979 Oct 18;281(5732):565-6. doi: 10.1038/281565a0.

Abstract

Intensive studies of visual illusion have rarely shown examples of polymorphic responses. We show here that, using figures consisting of stripes shaded from dark to light, arranged in repeating sectors, an illusion of movement can be induced in about 75% of observers when viewed peripherally. The responses of the viewers fall into four categories. This polymorphic response suggests a genetic origin.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Illusions / physiology*
  • Motion Perception / physiology*
  • Optical Illusions / physiology*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Pregnancy
  • Twins