Up–down Asymmetry in Vertical Induced Motion

Abstract

Induced motion (IM) is the illusory movement of an object in the direction opposite to the real motion of adjacent detail. One theory of IM suggests that it results, in part, from suppression of optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) by fixational (smooth-pursuit) effort. In several studies an asymmetry in human vertical OKN has been reported, with upward optokinetic stimulation eliciting higher OKN gain than downward motion. This provides a test of the nystagmus-suppression theory of IM. If suppression of OKN contributes significantly to IM, upward inducing stimuli should result in a greater magnitude of the illusion than should downward stimulus motion. Additionally, the asymmetry of vertical OKN should become more pronounced at higher stimulus velocities. Therefore, the asymmetry of vertical IM should be greater at higher inducing-stimulus velocities. Twelve subjects viewed a large, random-dot stimulus, which moved either upward or downward at a velocity of 10, 40, or 70 deg s−1. Subjects fixated a horizontally moving laser spot and adjusted a rod to match the apparent slope of the motion path of the spot. IM magnitude was derived from these measures. Mean IM velocity was significantly higher with upward than with downward stimulation, and the difference was maximal at velocities of 40 and 70 deg s−1. The results are discussed within the context of the nystagmus-suppression theory and other theories of IM.