A New Twist on the Rotating-Trapezoid Illusion: Evidence for Neural-Adaptation Effects

Abstract

In a series of experiments, the selective-adaptation paradigm was applied to the rotating-trapezoid illusion in an effort to demonstrate neural-adaptation effects in the figural reversal of this classic illusion. Prior to viewing the standard trapezoid, the observer adapted to a rectangle rotating unambiguously in the same direction as the trapezoid or in the opposite direction. In accordance with the neural hypothesis, illusion strength was greatest when the two figures rotated in the same direction and weakest when the two figures rotated in opposite directions. Results were confirmed with two separate dependent variables: the observer's ‘first look’ at the illusion after adaptation and the observer's reversal rate during a test period. These findings were discussed in terms of (a) the basic similarity of results for the rotating trapezoid and reversible figures such as the Necker cube and (b) the need for a multiprocess model of both classes of illusions which emphasizes bottom—up and top—down processes.