question 4 Flashcards
Describe the Phi Phenomenon. Why was this demonstration so hard to explain for Wundtian Psychology?
The Phi Phenomenon, discovered by Max Wertheimer, is an illusion of movement that occurs when stationary objects, such as lights, are flashed on and off in rapid succession. Although no actual motion exists, viewers perceive continuous movement. Wertheimer referred to it as an “impression” of movement. It was difficult to explain this phenomenon within Wundtian Psychology, because apparent movement didn’t need explanation, it was perceived as is and couldn’t be reduced to anything simpler. It was a contrast from Wundtian psychology as its basis is to emphasized breaking down experiences into their basic sensory elements. The Phi Phenomenon demonstrated that perception is more than the sum of its parts. This idea was a challenge to Wundt’s reductionist approach and supported the Gestalt principle that the mind organizes stimuli into coherent wholes. In addition to this the phi phenomenon was a failure of introspection as observers of the phenomenon did not report distinct flashes but instead seamless motion.
Describe the Phi Phenomenon.
The Phi Phenomenon, discovered by Max Wertheimer, is an illusion of movement that occurs when stationary objects, such as lights, are flashed on and off in rapid succession. Although no actual motion exists, viewers perceive continuous movement. Wertheimer referred to it as an “impression” of movement.
Why was the Phi Phenomenon so hard to explain for Wundtian Psychology?
It was difficult to explain this phenomenon within Wundtian Psychology, because apparent movement didn’t need explanation, it was perceived as is and couldn’t be reduced to anything simpler. It was a contrast from Wundtian psychology as its basis is to emphasized breaking down experiences into their basic sensory elements. The Phi Phenomenon demonstrated that perception is more than the sum of its parts. This idea was a challenge to Wundt’s reductionist approach and supported the Gestalt principle that the mind organizes stimuli into coherent wholes. In addition to this the phi phenomenon was a failure of introspection as observers of the phenomenon did not report distinct flashes but instead seamless motion.