The horizon line, linear perspective, interposition, and background brightness as determinants of the magnitude of the pictorial moon illusion.
A total of 110 undergraduate students participated in a series of three experiments that explored the magnitude of the moon illusion in pictures. Experiment 1 examined the role of the number and salience of depth cues and background brightness. Experiment 2 examined the role of the horizon line, linear perspective, interposition, and background brightness. In Experiment 3, comparative distance judgments of the moon as a function of linear perspective, interposition, and the size of the standard moon were obtained. The magnitude of the moon illusion increased as a function of the number and salience of depth cues and changes in background brightness. Experiment 2 failed to support the role of the horizon line in affecting the illusion. Experiment 3 provided additional support for the illusory distance component of the moon illusion.
Jones
Stephanie A H
SA
Psychology Department, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. sahj0812@yorku.ca
Wilson
Alexander E
AE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity; D003463:Cues; D003867:Depth Perception; D004215:Distance Perception; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007600:Judgment; D008297:Male; D009903:Optical Illusions; D009949:Orientation; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D055815:Young Adult