Convexity Bias and Perspective Cues in the Reverse-Perspective Illusion

The present experiment was designed to examine the roles of painted linear perspective cues, and the convexity bias that are known to influence human observers’ perception of three-dimensional (3D) objects and scenes. Reverse-perspective stimuli were used to elicit a depth-inversion illusion, in whi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Joshua J. Dobias, Thomas V. Papathomas, Vanja M. Vlajnic
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2016-02-01
Series:i-Perception
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/2041669516631698
Description
Summary:The present experiment was designed to examine the roles of painted linear perspective cues, and the convexity bias that are known to influence human observers’ perception of three-dimensional (3D) objects and scenes. Reverse-perspective stimuli were used to elicit a depth-inversion illusion, in which far points on the stimulus appear to be closer than near points and vice versa, with a 2 (Type of stimulus) × 2 (Fixation mark position) design. To study perspective, two types of stimuli were used: a version with painted linear perspective cues and a version with blank (unpainted) surfaces. To examine the role of convexity, two locations were used for the fixation mark: either in a locally convex or a locally concave part of each stimulus (painted and unpainted versions). Results indicated that the reverse-perspective illusion was stronger when the stimulus contained strong perspective cues and when observers fixated a locally concave region within the scene.
ISSN:2041-6695