A new visual illusion, and its mechanism

Perception. 1989;18(3):333-45. doi: 10.1068/p180333.

Abstract

A new visual illusion is reported, in which a sine-wave grating appears to tilt when doubly sheared perpendicularly to the grating lines. It is shown that the illusory percept is related to the Münsterberg and Café Wall illusions. The probable mechanism at the root of all such illusions is postulated by reference to the neuroarchitecture of the retina and striate cortex.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Illusions*
  • Male
  • Optical Illusions* / physiology
  • Retina / physiology
  • Visual Cortex / physiology
  • Visual Fields