Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Using Eye-tracking to Assess the Relative Importance of Visual and Vestibular Input to Subcortical Motion Processing in the Roll Plane
Published on: August 22, 2025
Motion-aftereffect-induced blindness
Martin Lages1, Wendy J Adams, Erich W Graf
1Department of Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK. m.lages@psy.gla.ac.uk
Abstract:
Motion-induced blindness (MIB) describes the occasional disappearance of salient visual objects in the presence of moving features (Y. S. Bonneh, A. Cooperman, & D. Sagi, 2001). Here we test whether motion adaptation and the ensuing motion aftereffect (MAE) are sufficient to trigger disappearance of salient targets. In three experiments, observers adapted to either rotating or static stimuli. Immediately afterwards, a static test pattern was presented consisting of a mask with texture elements and three superimposed target dots in a triangular arrangement. Observers reported dot disappearance and reappearance. The results clearly show that illusory motion in a static test pattern, following motion adaptation, promotes the disappearance of target dots. Furthermore, disappearance is modulated by the depth relationship between test pattern and targets, increasing for targets placed stereoscopically behind the test pattern. We conclude that MIB is influenced by perceived relative motion between depth-segregated features.
Insights
Motion adaptation can cause visual targets to disappear, a phenomenon known as motion-induced blindness (MIB). This effect is influenced by perceived relative motion and depth, impacting visual perception.
Area of Science:
- Visual Perception
- Neuroscience
- Psychophysics
Background:
- Motion-induced blindness (MIB) is a phenomenon where salient visual objects disappear during motion.
- The role of motion adaptation and motion aftereffect (MAE) in triggering MIB is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if motion adaptation and MAE can induce MIB.
- To explore how perceived relative motion and depth influence MIB.
Main Methods:
- Participants underwent motion adaptation to rotating or static stimuli.
- A static test pattern with target dots was presented after adaptation.
- Observers reported the disappearance and reappearance of target dots.
Main Results:
- Illusory motion following adaptation induced target dot disappearance.
- MIB was modulated by the stereoscopic depth relationship between targets and the test pattern.
- Targets placed behind the test pattern showed increased disappearance.
Conclusions:
- Motion adaptation and MAE are sufficient to trigger MIB.
- Perceived relative motion between depth-segregated features influences MIB.
- MIB is sensitive to depth cues and relative motion in visual scenes.
