Seeing is Deceiving: The Psychology of Visual Illusions

Coren and Girgus' 1978 book surveys research literature on two-dimensional visual-geometric illusions, proposing that they are not unitary phenomena but produced by multiple mechanisms at different levels in the visual information processing system. It contains an extensive collection of illusion figures and is essential reading for those concerned with vision and visual perception.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In this comprehensive volume, originally published in 1978, the authors undertake a thorough survey of the historical and contemporary research literature on two-dimensional visual-geometric illusions. They meticulously compile a vast array of known data, summarizing and critically evaluating various theories proposed to explain these intriguing phenomena. What sets this work apart is the introduction of a novel conceptual framework that challenges the notion of visual illusions as unitary phenomena. Instead, Coren and Girgus propose that each illusion arises from the interplay of multiple mechanisms operating at different levels within the visual information processing system.

The book is a treasure trove of illusion figures, providing a rich visual representation of the phenomena under study. Its significance lies in its ability to integrate the study of illusions into the mainstream of psychological and perceptual theories at the time. By doing so, it offers a holistic understanding of visual perception and its complexities.

This volume is a must-read for anyone with an interest in vision and visual perception. It provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the world of illusions, shedding light on the mechanisms that drive our visual experiences and the ways in which they shape our understanding of the world. Whether you are a researcher, student, or simply someone curious about the mind and its workings, this book will captivate and inspire you.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367506612