MOTION AFTEREFFECT Meaning and
Definition
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Motion aftereffect (MAE) refers to a visual phenomenon in which the perception of motion continues, even after the actual motion has ceased. It is a perceptual illusion that occurs when an individual stares at a moving visual stimulus for an extended period of time and subsequently views a stationary scene. The result is the illusion of motion in the opposite direction of the original stimulus.
The motion aftereffect is believed to be a result of adaptation in the visual system. When a stimulus moves consistently in a particular direction, neurons that respond to that motion become fatigued, leading to a reduced response. Consequently, when the stimulus stops moving or is removed, these neurons continue to fire at a reduced rate, causing the perception of motion in the opposite direction. This illusion is also known as the waterfall effect, as it was initially observed when individuals viewed a cascading waterfall and later looked at stationary objects.
The motion aftereffect can be experienced with various visual stimuli, including rotating patterns, flickering lights, or moving images. It is a robust and well-studied phenomenon in the field of visual perception, offering valuable insights into the mechanisms of motion processing in the human brain. The MAE has been utilized in research, as well as in art and entertainment, to create captivating visual effects and optical illusions. Overall, the motion aftereffect provides a fascinating window into the complexities of human perception and how the brain processes and interprets visual information.
Etymology of MOTION AFTEREFFECT
The etymology of the word "motion aftereffect" can be broken down as follows:
1. Motion: This word comes from the Latin word "motio", which means "movement" or "act of moving".
2. After: This word is derived from the Old English word "æfter", which means "behind" or "in the future".
3. Effect: This word originates from the Latin word "effectus", which means "accomplishment" or "result".
Therefore, the term "motion aftereffect" refers to the perceptual illusion of motion experienced after staring at a moving object, where the sensation of motion continues even when the object has stopped moving.
