A test of size-scaling and relative-size hypotheses for the moon illusion.

Full Abstract

In two experiments participants reproduced the size of the moon in pictorial scenes under two conditions:
when the scene element was normally oriented, producing a depth gradient like a floor, or when the scene element was inverted, producing a depth gradient like a ceiling. Target moons were located near to or far from the scene element. Consistent with size constancy scaling, the illusion reversed when the "floor" of a pictorial scene was inverted to represent a "ceiling." Relative size contrast predicted a reduction or increase in the illusion with no change in direction. The relation between pictorial and natural moon illusions is discussed.

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Author information

Author/s: Redding, Gordon M (GM);

Affiliation: Illinois State University, Department of Psychology, Normal, Illinois 61790-4620, USA. gredding(-atsign-)ilstu.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Perception & psychophysics (Percept Psychophys), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Nov; vol 64 (issue 8) : pp 1281-9

Dates: Created 2003/01/09; Completed 2003/02/13; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 12519025, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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