Hering illusion

a misperception that occurs when two parallel straight lines are superimposed on a pattern of lines that radiate from a central point. When the two lines are placed equidistant from one another on opposite sides of the center point, they appear to be bowed outward from the center, rather than straight. Also called Hering–Helmholtz illusion. [Ewald Hering; Hermann von Helmholtz]

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Psychology term of the day

November 28th 2024

fatigue effect

a decline in performance on a prolonged or demanding research task that is generally attributed to the participant becoming tired or bored with the task. The fatigue effect is an important consideration when administering a lengthy survey or test in which participants’ performance may worsen simply due to the challenges of an extended task.