Jastrow illusion
The Jastrow illusion is an optical illusion where two identical figures are placed next to each other. Although they are both exactly the same size, one appears to be larger.
Discovery
The Jastrow illusion is named for the American psychologist Joseph Jastrow, who discovered the illusion in 1889.
Description
The Jastrow illusion is a size illusion where two curved shapes of identical measurements are placed next to each other. When viewing the two shapes, one looks significantly larger than the other. When the positions of the two shapes are reversed, the impression of which is the larger is also reversed.
Explanation
Scientists are not yet certain what causes one figure in the Jastrow illusion to appear larger than the other. The fact that the shorter side of one figure is next to the longer side of the other somehow tricks the brain into perceiving one shape as longer and the other as shorter, although it is unclear exactly why this is so.
Applications
The study of perceptual illusions like the Jastrow illusion helps scientists to investigate the various mechanisms involved in the visual perception of objects.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Gregson, Robert A. Cascades and Fields in Perceptual Psychophysics September 1995. World Scientific Publishing Co. ISBN 9810223277
- Schiffman, Harvey Richard. "Sensation and Perception: an Integrated Approach January 2001. Wiley. ISBN 0471249300
- Seckle, Al. The Art of Optical Illusions September 2000. Carlton Books. ISBN 1842220543
Credits
New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:
The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:
Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.
