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Hypnotic susceptibility, interference, and alternation frequency to the Necker cube illusion
The Journal of General Psychology
|July 1, 1985
Summary
Hypnotic susceptibility and cognitive interference impact Necker cube apparent reversals (ARs). Interference reduced ARs, while higher hypnotic susceptibility correlated with more frequent ARs, suggesting attentional factors play a role.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Perception
Background:
- The Necker cube is a classic example of bistable visual perception.
- Apparent reversals (ARs) in Necker cube perception have been studied to understand attentional and cognitive influences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cognitive interference and hypnotic susceptibility on the frequency of Necker cube apparent reversals (ARs).
Main Methods:
- Two experiments (N=60) were conducted using the Necker cube visual stimulus.
- Experiment 1: Arithmetic tasks (addition) served as cognitive interference.
- Experiment 2: Backward counting (by 3s) was used as interference.
- Hypnotic susceptibility was measured and correlated with AR frequency.
Main Results:
- Cognitive interference significantly reduced the frequency of Necker cube ARs in both experiments.
- Individuals with higher hypnotic susceptibility reported a greater number of ARs compared to those with lower susceptibility.
- Attentional mechanisms are proposed as a potential explanation for the observed results.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive load and hypnotic susceptibility are significant factors influencing Necker cube apparent reversals.
- Findings suggest that attentional processes are crucial in modulating perceptual alternations in bistable figures.