title: The evolution of explanations of a perceptual phenomenon: a case history using the Ternus effect.
abstract: The Ternus effect involves a multi-element stimulus that can lead to either of two different percepts of apparent movement depending upon a variety of stimulus conditions. Since Ternus's 1926 discussion of this phenomenon, many researchers have attempted to explain it. We examine the history of explanations of the Ternus effect and show that they have evolved to contemporary theoretical positions that are very similar to Ternus's own ideas. Additionally, we describe a new experiment showing that theoretical positions that emphasize element grouping and element identity within groups can predict the effects of certain stimulus manipulations on the Ternus effect.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Ripon College, P.O. Box 248, Ripon, WI 54971, USA. petersikt@ripon.edu
authors.forename: J Timothy
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Petersik
authors.forename: Curran M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Rice
mesh_terms: D005863:Gestalt Theory; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009039:Motion Perception; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D009903:Optical Illusions; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D011601:Psychophysics