The Müller–Lyer illusion as a perturbation to the saccadic system

Abstract

An eye targeting task was employed to investigate saccadic bias and endpoint variability as a function of target size and configuration, and movement amplitude. The Müller–Lyer (ML) illusion was used to create illusory target endpoints which biased the amplitude of saccadic movements in the direction predicted by the efferent theory of perception/misperception. Target amplitude affected saccadic bias and variability in a manner consistent with the range effect and the force–force variability relation. Target size had no impact on endpoint consistency. Amplitude and illusory effects appear to be independent and may reflect different levels of visual–motor processing. Psyc INFO Classification: 2323; 2330