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Charpentier (1891) on the size-weight illusion.
D J Murray1, R R Ellis, C A Bandomir
1Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. murrayd@pavlov.psyc.queensu.ca
Perception & Psychophysics
|December 22, 1999
Summary
Augustin Charpentier's 1891 study likely provided the first experimental evidence for the size-weight illusion. His work and the "disappointed expectations" theory quickly influenced subsequent research.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Perception
- History of Science
Background:
- This paper provides context and a summary for an English translation of Augustin Charpentier's 1891 article.
- Charpentier's work is often cited as the first experimental demonstration of the size-weight illusion.
Discussion:
- A comparative analysis of experiments by Weber (1834) and Charpentier (1891) suggests Charpentier's research holds priority.
- The concept of "disappointed expectations," particularly concerning lift speed, rapidly gained prominence in explaining the size-weight illusion post-Charpentier.
Key Insights:
- Charpentier's 1891 publication is a foundational study in the experimental investigation of the size-weight illusion.
- The immediate impact of Charpentier's work established theoretical frameworks that dominated early 20th-century research.
Outlook:
- The paper briefly traces the evolution of explanations for the size-weight illusion, including concepts like "motor energy," throughout the 20th century.
- Understanding the historical development of research on the size-weight illusion offers insights into the progression of perceptual science.