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A Geometrical Account to Explain the Fat-Face Illusion
Amit Rawal1, Philip Tseng1,2,3
1Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain, & Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City.
I-Perception
|January 25, 2021
Summary
The fat-face illusion is not limited to faces or specific facial features. This study proposes a new geometric explanation, the axis of horizontal asymmetry, for this visual illusion.
Area of Science:
- Visual Perception
- Cognitive Psychology
- Geometric Illusions
Background:
- Previous research on the fat-face illusion concluded it is specific to human faces.
- The precise mechanisms underlying the fat-face illusion remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the face-specific nature of the fat-face illusion.
- To propose a novel geometric explanation for the fat-face illusion.
Main Methods:
- Manipulating stimuli to test the boundaries of the fat-face illusion.
- Analyzing geometric properties of stimuli independent of facial features.
Main Results:
- The fat-face illusion is not restricted to the lower portion of an image.
- The illusion is not dependent on internal facial features or facial texture.
- The illusion can be elicited by non-face stimuli, suggesting it is not face-specific.
Conclusions:
- The fat-face illusion is a geometry-led illusion, not specific to faces.
- The axis of horizontal asymmetry account provides a unifying explanation for the fat-face illusion.
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