First- and second-order transformational apparent motion rely on common shape representations. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hartstein, K.C.; Saleki, S.; Ziman, K.; Cavanagh, P.; Tse, P.U.
• Is Part Of: Vision research. Volume 188(2021)
• Page Start: 246
• Page End: 250
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Psychophysics -- Motion perception -- Transformational apparent motion -- Second-order stimulus; Vision -- Periodicals; 573.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2021.07.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0042-6989

Abstract

Abstract: When one figure is replaced with another that overlaps its spatial location, observers perceive an illusory, continuous shape change of the original object, a phenomenon known as transformational apparent motion (TAM). The current study investigated the extent to which TAM depends on a common, high-level shape representation that is independent of the shape-defining attribute. Specifically, we tested whether TAM is perceived similarly for both first- and second-order objects, defined by luminance and texture contrast, respectively. A compelling motion percept was observed in second-order TAM displays that was comparable to that seen in first-order TAM displays. Importantly, TAM for both stimulus classes showed the same pattern over a range of stimulus onset asynchronies. These results support the high-level shape account, indicating that TAM is driven by segmentation mechanisms that rely on high-level shape information rather than low-level visual characteristics.