Intra-Cultural Differences in Susceptibility to Geometrical Illusions and in Pictorial Depth Perception

Abstract

This study examined susceptibility to optical illusions by Ss who experienced differing ecologies, and tested the hypothesis that Ss exposed to greater cultural stimulus give more 3-dimensional interpretations to pictorial material. Three samples of Grade VI boys, matched for family occupational status, were selected. An urban sample was contrasted with each of two samples from small, isolated fishing communities. The physical environment of the urban sample was carpentered and, in contrast with the fishing communities, lacked open vistas over water. While the “carpentered world” hypothesis was not supported, partial support was obtained for the hypothesis that Ss exposed to open vistas are more susceptible to the horizontal-vertical illusion. Also, urban Ss who were exposed to greater cultural stimulus gave more 3-dimensional interpretations on the Depth Perception Test.