Apparent motion between shapes differing in location and orientation: A window technique for estimating path curvature

When a shape is alternately presented in two positions differing in both location and orientation, apparent motion tends to be experienced over a curved path. The curvature provides evidence about principles of object motion that may have been internalized in the perceptual system. This study introduces a technique for estimating deviation from a straight path. A shape was alternately presented on the two sides of a visual partition with a "window" just wide enough to accommodate the shape. Observers adjusted the location of the window to maximize the illusion of smooth passage of the shape through the window. In accordance with theoretical expectations, estimated deviations from rectilinear motion increased with the separation between the stimuli in spatial location, angular orientation, and time.