Figural aftereffects is a term used in psychology to describe the visual phenomenon where an image continues to appear even after it has been removed from sight. The word "figural" is pronounced /ˈfɪɡjərəl/, with the stress on the second syllable, and refers to the shape or form of an object. "Aftereffects" is pronounced /ˈæftərɪfɛkts/ and refers to the visual sensation that remains in the eyes after an image has been removed. Together, the term can be pronounced as /ˈfɪgjərəl ˈæftərɪfɛkts/.
Figural aftereffects, also referred to as figural adaptation or contingent motion aftereffect, are perceptual phenomena that occur when prolonged exposure to a specific visual stimulus leads to subsequent altered perception of related stimuli. This phenomenon is characterized by the distortions or illusions experienced by an individual after prolonged viewing of a particular visual pattern or form.
When a person is exposed to a particular stimulus for an extended period, the neural processes responsible for perceiving the stimulus become fatigued or adapted. As a result, the neural response to the stimulus weakens or diminishes. This adaptation effect causes a perceptual contrast in subsequent visual stimuli that are related to the original stimulus.
In the case of figural aftereffects, the altered perception typically involves a distorted or shifted perception of shapes, motion, or spatial orientation. For example, after staring at a swirling pattern of concentric circles rotating clockwise for an extended duration, an individual may experience an aftereffect where subsequent stationary circles may appear to be rotating counterclockwise.
These aftereffects are generally temporary and fade away over time as the visual system readapts to the surrounding stimuli. They provide valuable insights into how the brain processes visual information and how perception can be influenced by prior sensory experiences.
Figural aftereffects have been extensively studied in fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and vision science. Researchers have used these phenomena to gain a deeper understanding of visual perception and to explore the workings of the human visual system.
The word "figural" is derived from the Latin word "figuralis", which means "pertaining to form or figure". It comes from the noun "figura", meaning "a shape, form, or figure".
The term "aftereffect" is a compound word formed by combining the prefix "after-", meaning "later" or "following", and "effect", which refers to a result or consequence.
Therefore, "figural aftereffects" refers to the effects or consequences that occur following the perception of a form or figure.