Abstract
Eleven age groups of 22 each were shown the Necker cube illusion on three separate trials, using a different instructional set for each. Frequency of reversals was determined by the number of times the subject indicated that the “X” on the cube changed perspectives during a 90-sec trial. The results of a 3 by 11 analysis of variance revealed a.01 level of significance between the peak age groups, 25 and 45 years, and the 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, 95-, 5-, and 10-year-old groups. These data suggest that young and old people were less able to reverse visual perspectives than the middle age groups.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
References Note
Comalli, P. E., Jr. Life-span developmental studies in perception: theoretical and methodological issues. Symposium paper presented at the Eastern Psychological Association meeting, Atlantic City, April 1965.
References
Baltes, P. B., Nesselroade, J. R. Schaie, A., & Labouvie, E. W. On the dilemma of regression effects in examining ability-level-related differentials in ontogenetic patterns of intelligence. Developmental Psychology, 1972, 6, 78–84.
Baltes, P. B., & Schaie, K. W. Aging and IQ: The myth of the twilight years. Psychology Today, 1974, 7, 35–40.
Broadzinsky, D., Jackson, J., & Overton, W. Effects of perceptual shielding in the development of spatial perspectives. Child Development, 1972, 43, 1041–1046.
Cohen, B. Rate of apparent change of a Necker Cube as a function of prior stimulation. American Journal of Psychology, 1959, 72, 327–344.
Heath, H., Ehrich, D., & Orbach, J. Reversability of the Necker Cube II: Effects of various activating conditions. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1963, 17, 539–546.
Holt, G. L., & Matson, J. L. Necker cube reversals as a function of age and IQ. Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society, 1974, 4,519–521.
Kuhlen, R. G. Changing personal adjustment during the adult years. In J. E. Anderson (Ed.), Psychological Aspects of Aging. Washington, D. C: American Psychological Association, 1955. Pp. 21–29.
Leibowitz, H. W., & Judisch, J. The relationship between age and the magnitude of the Ponzo illusion. American Journal of Psychology, 1967,80, 105–109.
Necker, L. A. Observations on some remarkable phenomena seen in Switzerland, and on optical phenomenon which occurs on viewing of a crystal or geometrical solid. Philadelphia Magazine (Series 1), 1932, 3, 329–337.
Overton, W. F., Wapner, J., & Dolinsky, H. Social class differences and task variables in the development of multiplicative classification. Child Development, 1971, 42, 1951–1958.
Pickergill, M. J., & Jeeves, M. A. The origin of the aftereffect of movement. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1964, 16, 90–103.
Roland, B. Relationship between GSR, heart rate, and reversability of a Necker Cube. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1970, 30,36–38.
Schaie, K. W. A test of behavioral rigidity. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 1955, 51, 604–610.
Shantz, C., & Watson, J. Spatial abilities and spatial egocentrism in the young child. Child Development, 1971, 42, 171–181.
Targonski, D. D., & Baer, D. J. Hyperventilation effect on Necker Cube reversals and duration of spiral aftereffect. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1966, 23, 783–786.
Wapner, S. & Werner, H. Perceptual development. Worcester, Mass.: Clark University Press, 1957.
Wapner, S., Werner, H., & Comalli, P. E, Jr. Perception of part-whole relationships in middle and old age. Journal of Gerontology, 1960, 15, 413–415.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Holt, G.L., Matson, J.L. The effects of age on perceptual changes using two new perspectives of the Necker cube. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 8, 4–6 (1976). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03337055
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03337055