Assessing perceptual change with an ambiguous figures task: Normative data for 40 standard picture sets

Behav Res Methods. 2016 Mar;48(1):201-22. doi: 10.3758/s13428-015-0564-5.

Abstract

In many research domains, researchers have employed gradually morphing pictures to study perception under ambiguity. Despite their inherent utility, only a limited number of stimulus sets are available, and those sets vary substantially in quality and perceptual complexity. Here we present normative data for 40 morphing picture series. In all sets, line drawings of pictures of common objects are morphed over 15 iterations into a completely different object. Objects are either morphed from an animate to an inanimate object (or vice versa) or morphed within the animate and inanimate object categories. These pictures, together with the normative naming data presented here, will be of value for research on a diverse range of questions, from perceptual processing to decision making.

Keywords: Ambiguous figures; Animate; Inanimate; Perceptual updating; Picture morphing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behavioral Research
  • Decision Making / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual / physiology*
  • Photic Stimulation* / instrumentation
  • Photic Stimulation* / methods
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*