Möbius Band Surprise: A Systematic Illusion in Imagery. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haugland, Mons Daniel; Pearson, David G.; Ekroll, Vebjørn
• Is Part Of: I-Perception. Volume 11:Number 2(2020)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Möbius band -- magic trick -- visual imagery -- spatial reasoning -- connectedness -- attribute substitution -- cognitive illusion -- cognitive failure; Perception -- Periodicals; Visual perception -- Periodicals; Perception; Perception; Electronic journals; Periodical; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; Periodicals; 153.7
• DOI: 10.1177/20416695211004972
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-6695

Abstract

When a Möbius loop is cut along the middle of the band, the result is a single connected loop, yet anecdotal evidence from science demonstrations and the use of this effect in magic tricks suggest that most people are thoroughly surprised by this because they strongly believe that the result should be two separate loops. Here, we present results from a behavioral experiment confirming this anecdotal evidence and discuss potential theoretical explanations for why this demonstration evokes strong, but misleading intuitions and a related illusion of impossibility.