Hering illusion
The Hering illusion is an optical illusion discovered in 1861. The two vertical lines are both straight, but they look as if they were bowed outwards. The Orbison illusion is a variant of the Hering illusion, as is the Wundt illusion.
Discovery
The Hering illusion is named for the German physiologist Ewald Hering, who first published the illusion in 1861.
Description
When looking at the illusion, the viewer appears to see a pair of bowed or curved lines placed in front of a series of other lines. In reality, these bowed lines are parallel, and only appear to be curved.
Explanation
The effect of the Hering illusion is often attributed to "angular displacement", where the perception of the straight parallel lines is skewed because of the effect of the angular lines surrounding them.[1] The distortion may also be produced by the lined pattern on the background, which simulates a perspective design and creates a false impression of depth.
It has been observed that the illusion takes place when the image is horizontal or vertical, but is decreased when the image is rotated at an angle. This discovery has challenged traditional theories about how the illusory effect is generated.[2]
Applications
Like many perceptual illusions, the Hering illusion helps neuroscientists study the mechanisms of perception.
Notes
- ↑ "The Hering Illusion" California State University at Northridge. Retrieved October 2, 2007.
- ↑ Zhang, Jinfu and Xiaolin Liu. "Discovery and a preliminary study of the parallel lines illusion change effect" October 1994. Journal of General Psychology. Retrieved October 2, 2007.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Baars, Bernard and Nicole Gage. "Cognition, Brain, and Consciousness: Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience" June 2007. Academic Press. ISBN 0123736773
- Ninio, Jacques. "The Science of Illusions" April 2001. Cornell University Press. ISBN 0801437709
- Seckel, Al. "Art of Optical Illusions" September 2000. Carlton Books. ISBN 1842220543
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