Illusory contour strength does not depend on the dynamics or relative phase of the inducers.
We use a new objective measure of illusory contour strength, threshold reduction for aspect ratio discrimination, to examine the effect of dynamics and relative phase on the Kanizsa illusion. We found no dependence of illusory contour strength on the relative phase of flickering inducers (in phase, antiphase, or in quadrature phase) either for the standard Kanizsa square, or for modifications that facilitated or interfered with amodal completion. Comparison with a vernier acuity task indicates that the distance between the inducers, rather than the nature of the task, accounts for the insensitivity to relative phase.
Victor
J D
JD
Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA. jdvicto@med.cornell.edu
Conte
M M
MM
D000328:Adult; D004056:Differential Threshold; D005260:Female; D005556:Form Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009903:Optical Illusions