The perceptibility of subjective contour in a two-dimensional configuration is shown to vary systematically with the magnitude of simultaneous brightness contrast. Since prior work had suggested depth cues as the basis for subjective contour, depth cues were maintained in all configurations. However, depth cues failed to sustain the perception of subjective contour with a reduction in simultaneous brightness contrast.
When light intensity demarcating a 1-sec. interval was increased, there was an increase in the perceived duration of the interval. The increase in perceived duration occurred whether the light intensity was physically increased or perceptually increased through brightness enhancement.
A mathematical model for assimilation and contrast in the perception of extent is presented, and predictions generated from the model are empirically tested. Implications of the model for the Müller-Lyer illusion are dealt with explicitly, and implications of the model for the Delboeuf, Ebbinghaus, and other illusions of extent are discussed in general terms.
It was demonstrated with 7 observers that the duration of a high frequency tone was perceived to be longer than the duration of a low frequency tone, even though the actual duration of the two tones was equal.
The magnitude of the Ebbinghaus illusion has been reported to be greater when test element and context elements are figurally similar as opposed to figurally dissimilar. In the current investigation with 16 observers, illusion magnitude was greater for a figurally similar configuration even though the context elements of the figurally similar configuration were perceived as smaller than the context elements of a figurally dissimilar configuration. Hence, figural similarity appears to have a prepotent effect in the Ebbinghaus illusion.
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