Abstract
The magnitude of the Ponzo perspective illusion, utilizing stimuli with varying amounts of context, was determined for a population of Ugandan villagers. The subjects were classified as two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or mixed perceivers based upon their verbal responses to photographs portraying symbolic depth cues. The illusion magnitude among those subjects classified as three-dimensional was similar to that of college observers who demonstrate an increase in illusion magnitude with increasing background context. The two-dimensional observers’ responses were similar to those of villagers tested previously, showing no significant increase for the same conditions. The role of two-dimensional flatness cues was eliminated on the basis of a control experiment. The data are interpreted as reflecting the operation of a. cognitive factor determining responsiveness to symbolic depth cues in two-dimensional reproductions.
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The field research and analysis for this study was supported by Grants MH22538 and MH08061 from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Professors Clive Davis and Michael C. Robbins offered invaluable assistance during various phases of the field research and Mr. Joseph Busuulwa served as our Muganda colleague throughout various phases of the field work.
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Kilbride, P.L., Leibowitz, H.W. Factors affecting the magnitude of the Ponzo perspective illusion among the Baganda. Perception & Psychophysics 17, 543–548 (1975). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03203966
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03203966