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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

MPI CyberMotion Simulator: Implementation of a Novel Motion Simulator to Investigate Multisensory Path Integration in Three Dimensions
Published on: May 10, 2012
Psychophysical properties of two-stroke apparent motion
George Mather1, Kirsten L Challinor
1Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK. g.mather@sussex.ac.uk
The inter-stimulus interval (ISI) in two-stroke apparent motion generates a reversed motion signal, not just breaks frame connection. This finding supports new theories of motion perception.
Area of Science:
- Visual Perception
- Psychophysics
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Two-stroke apparent motion creates an illusion of continuous movement using brief stimuli and short intervals.
- The role of the inter-stimulus interval (ISI) in this phenomenon is debated: does it simply interrupt motion or actively generate a reversed signal?
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the ISI in two-stroke apparent motion actively generates a reversed motion signal.
- To compare the properties of two-stroke apparent motion with reported ISI reversal effects.
Main Methods:
- Five experiments were conducted using identical stimulus displays for both two-stroke apparent motion and ISI reversal.
- Stimuli varied in ISI duration and luminance levels, including scotopic conditions.
Main Results:
- Both two-stroke apparent motion and ISI reversal demonstrated similar dependencies on ISI duration and mean luminance.
- Both effects were abolished at low mean luminance levels.
Conclusions:
- The results strongly suggest that the ISI in two-stroke apparent motion actively contributes a reversed motion signal.
- This finding necessitates a revision of current theoretical models explaining two-stroke apparent motion.
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