An autokinetic effect for 6 meaningful stimuli was measured in terms of speed, acceleration, and change in direction and as a function of stimulus labels suggesting sets for fast, neutral, or slow movement. Apparent movement was found for all stimuli on each of the three types of movement measures; the change-in-direction measure significantly differentiated the six stimuli; and the fast set of labels significantly influenced accelerations. A frame of reference conception of the perception of apparent movement, based on familiarity and expectation, which is likely to occur under ambiguous stimulus circumstances, was discussed.
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