Change in Phenomenal Location and Perception of Motion

Abstract

The question was raised as to whether relative displacement is necessary in order for object motion to be visually perceived. An illusory figure was created which, when stroboscopically presented, caused an objectively stationary target to appear as though it were changing location. This was sufficient to generate an apparent movement in the target. It was, therefore, concluded that the necessary condition for visually perceived movement is a change in phenomenal location rather than relative displacement.