A global factor in the Hermann grid illusion or an artifact?

Abstract

In the first of the present experiments, subjects were required to estimate the strength of the Hermann grid illusion in grids containing various numbers of intersections even though those grids were not actually presented. The positive relationship found by Wolfe (1984) for real grids was, nevertheless, replicated. It is argued that this suggests that a response bias might have been the source of his effect (although other possibilities are also noted). In addition, in a second experiment, subjects who were not aware of the fact that grid size was being manipulated (i.e., between subjects) showed no consistent effect of that factor, thus supporting the same suggestion.