The multiple determination of illusory contours: 2. An empirical investigation.
Judgments of contour strength or saliency for twenty-four illusory-contour configurations were subjected to a confirmatory factor analysis. A four-factor model that posited the involvement of simultaneous contrast, linear effects (assimilation and dissimilation), depth/completion cues, and feature analyzers accounted for a substantial proportion of the variance in judgments of illusory-contour strength. The hierarchical addition of a fifth factor, diffuse illusory contours, significantly improved the overall fit of the model, but added little to the proportion of explained variance. The taxonomic approach adopted provides support for a multiprocess model of illusory-contour perception.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003867:Depth Perception; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D005556:Form Perception; D006801:Humans; D007088:Illusions; D008875:Middle Aged; D009903:Optical Illusions; D010466:Perceptual Closure