Color Phi phenomenon

What is actually shown: First a blue dot is shown at the top of the screen, followed by a period of blank screen. Finally a red dot is shown at the bottom of the screen.

Subjects report seeing a dot that moves from the top to the bottom. The dot changes color midway through its path.

The color phi phenomenon is a perceptual illusion described by psychologists Paul Kolers and Michael von Grunau in which a perception of motion and color change is produced by a sequence of still images. The color phi phenomenon is a more complex variation of a phi phenomenon called beta movement.

Discovery

The color phi phenomenon is based directly on beta movement, a type of phi phenomenon. In beta movement, two or more identical images located in different areas are flashed in sequence, making it appear as though the object or shape in the image moves from one position to another. The color phi phenomenon was discovered when the philosopher Nelson Goodman wondered if such a sense of motion would persist if the two alternating images were different colors, as well as what would happen to the perception of the object's color. Intrigued by these questions, psychologists Paul Kolers and Michael von Grunau investigated the effects of color upon beta movement.

Description

People experience the color phi phenomenon very similarly to how they experience beta movement. In the classic example of beta movement, the viewer experiences a sense of movement of the object from one orientation to another. With the color phi phenomenon, the viewer also experiences a sense that the object is changing color abruptly in the middle of its illusory path.

Explanation

One of the most intriguing aspects of the color phi phenomenon is that viewers report a color change midway between the two flashing images, before the second image is actually shown. Logically, it is impossible for a subject to actually experience the color change before the second dot has been presented. Philosopher Daniel Dennett, who is known for his consciousness studies as well as his work on intentionality, artificial intelligence, and free will, has postulated theories as to how this is possible.

Dennett discards both the idea that memory is altered to include a change of color after the second color is flashed, as well as the idea that memories are stored briefly until they are edited and brought into consciousness. He proposes a theory of consciousness that he calls a "Multiple Drafts Model," which he explains by using the color phi phenomenon. With this theory, experience is a "web of words and deeds," and any sense of a sequential order of events is due to probing this web or stream of experience at certain points. Dennett's argument, however, is somewhat vague, and often challenged by critics. Some suggest that future advancements in brain imaging techniques may make it clear exactly how the brain processes information and explain why the color phi phenomenon exists.

Applications

The color phi phenomenon provides an interesting example for formulating and testing theories on how consciousness works, as well as how the brain functions.

References

ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

• Carruthers, Peter. "Language, Thought and Consciousness: An Essay in Philosophical Psychology" March 1998. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521639999
• Dennett, D.C.. "Consciousness Explained." 1993. Penguin Books Ltd.. ISBN 0140128670
• Noe, Alva. "Is the Visual World a Grand Illusion? (Journal of Consciousness Studies Controversies in Science & the Humanities)" June 2002. Imprint Academic. ISBN 0907845231

External links

• An interactive demonstration of the color phi phenomenon. Retrieved October 2, 2007.

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