A test of constancy scaling theory in a modified Mueller-Lyer illusion

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The center line of each of the two Mueller-Lyer figures was replaced by a rectangle whose length and width were both judged. The rectangle, bounded by wings positioned outward, was judged both longer and narrower than a standard rectangle of equal size, while the rectangle bounded by wings oriented inward was judged to be both shorter and wider than the standard rectangle. These results were considered to provide evidence against a constancy scaling explanation of geometric illusions. Other theories to account for the results were considered and found inadequate.