Inappropriate Constancy Explanation of Spatial Distortions

Abstract

THE perception of two- and three-dimensional space has for long been one of the central issues in the experimental study of sensory and perceptual processes. An aspect of this problem is the apparent distortions of shape, size and direction which occur when the elements of a stimulus pattern (lines, angles, forms, etc.) are juxtaposed in certain spatial relationships. Such spatial illusions, which can be defined as discrepancies between the judged and true physical properties of the stimulus, have not yet been explained satisfactorily. It is clear, however, that their explanation would constitute a considerable advance in our understanding of the perceptual processes involved in space perception.