chessboard illusion

an illusion of depth that occurs if a systematically distorted checkerboard pattern (known as the Helmholtz chessboard) is viewed close to the retina. The pattern contains small squares in the center, which become progressively larger toward the periphery. The progressive enlargement of the squares compensates for the progressive distortion of the image in the peripheral retina, caused by the optics of the eye. [described by Hermann von Helmholtz]

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Psychology term of the day

May 10th 2024

anthropogenesis

n. the scientific study of the origins and development of humans. Also called anthropogeny. —anthropogenetic or anthropogenic adj.