The perceptual flattening of three-dimensional scenes enclosed by a frame

The effects of a visible frame around a three-dimensional scene on perceived depth within the scene was investigated in three experiments. In experiment 1 subjects judged the slant of an object that had been rotated about a vertical axis. Judged slant was reduced when the frame was illuminated. In experiments 2 and 3 subjects judged the shape (width-to-height ratio) of the object. The object was judged to be narrower when the frame was illuminated (experiment 2) or when a frame was added to the scene in an illuminated room (experiment 3). These results demonstrate that the presence of a frame around a three-dimensional scene serves as a flatness cue, reducing perceived depth within the scene.