The Psychology of Visual Illusion

A wealth of theories and knowledge about visual illusions receive a lucid and illuminating treatment in this richly illustrated book, an indispensable resource for students and researchers. Some 240 drawings, comprising one of the largest collections of visual illusions in one volume, offer examples of such phenomena as geometrical optical illusions (since this type of illusion is central to the topic, the treatment here is especially thorough), figural after-effects, illusions in the perception of depth and distance, illusions of movement in stationary displays, and illusions caused by moving stimuli.In addition to articulate and thought-provoking commentaries on reports from the psychological literature, this volume offers an enlightening, well-rounded perspective on the countless ambiguities of visual display, with particular emphasis on geometricaloptical framing and contrast effects, distortion of angles and direction, and the apparent movement of images.Ideal as an adjunct text in undergraduate psychology courses, the book assumes a knowledge of elementary visual anatomy, physiology and perceptions; however, most of the arguments and descriptions are self-contained and can be understood by themselves.Besides its immense value for students, this volume will also, of course, appeal to anyone with an interest in the physiological and psychological mechanisms underlying the optical illusions that dazzle the eye and challenge our notions of reality and perception.