A neon sign for a bowling alley has flashing lights that make it seem like a ball has gone down the alley and knocked over some pins. What is this illusion of motion called?
A) induced movement
B) motion parallax
C) apparent movement
D) optic flow

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The illusion of motion created by the flashing lights is called apparent movement. Apparent movement occurs when stationary stimuli in different locations are alternately presented, creating the illusion of movement. In this case, the flashing lights create the impression of a ball rolling down the alley and knocking over pins. Induced movement refers to the perception of movement resulting from a moving background, motion parallax is the phenomenon where objects closer to us appear to move faster than objects farther away when we are in motion, and optic flow is the visual perception of motion created by the changing patterns of visual stimulation as we move through the environment. None of these concepts accurately describe the illusion created by the bowling alley sign.

A Neon Sign for a Bowling Alley Has Flashing Lights