autokinetic effect

autokinetic effect
apparent motion of a single point of light or a small object when presented on a dark field and observed continuously. Also called autokinetic illusion.
[1930-35]

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      illusory movement of a single still object, usually a stationary pinpoint of light used in psychology experiments in dark rooms. As one stares at a fixed point of light, one's eye muscles become fatigued, causing a slight eye movement. Without the usual reference points available in the everyday environment, the movement of the image on the retina is perceived (perception) as its actual movement in space.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

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  • autokinetic effect — Psychol. apparent motion of a single point of light or a small object when presented on a dark field and observed continuously. Also called autokinetic illusion. [1930 35] …   Useful english dictionary

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  • autokinetic illusion —    see autokinetic effect …   Dictionary of Hallucinations

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