A test of size-scaling and relative-size hypotheses for the moon illusion.
In two experiments participants reproduced the size of the moon in pictorial scenes under two conditions: when the scene element was normally oriented, producing a depth gradient like a floor, or when the scene element was inverted, producing a depth gradient like a ceiling. Target moons were located near to or far from the scene element. Consistent with size constancy scaling, the illusion reversed when the "floor" of a pictorial scene was inverted to represent a "ceiling." Relative size contrast predicted a reduction or increase in the illusion with no change in direction. The relation between pictorial and natural moon illusions is discussed.
Redding
Gordon M
GM
Illinois State University, Department of Psychology, Normal, Illinois 61790-4620, USA. gredding@ilstu.edu
D006801:Humans; D016081:Moon; D009903:Optical Illusions; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011897:Random Allocation; D012858:Size Perception; D014796:Visual Perception