The size-distance scaling equation explains the Ames Room illusion because _____.
A) we perceive the two people in the room to be the same size because the size of the image on the retina is the same
B) we perceive the two people in the room to be of different sizes even though the size of the image on the retina is the same
C) we perceive the two people in the room to be different sizes because they are perceived to be at different distances away
D) we perceive the two people in the room to be different sizes because they are perceived to be at the same distance away and their retinal image size is different

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The size-distance scaling equation states that perceived size is a function of retinal image size and perceived distance. In the Ames Room illusion, the two people are actually standing at different distances away from the observer, but due to the distorted shape of the room, they appear to be at the same distance. Therefore, their retinal image sizes are different despite the perceived distance being the same, leading us to perceive them as being different sizes.

The Size-Distance Scaling Equation Explains the Ames Room Illusion Because