Tempo Change Aftereffects After Habituation to Risset Accelerandi

Abstract

The motion aftereffect, or waterfall illusion, is the modification of motion perception after extended observation of a moving stimulus. The opponent proces model provides means of explaining this illusion. To assess the existence of a similar illusion within the domain of tempo perception, Risset accelerandi (rhythms that change tempo endlessly) were constructed. After being exposed to a prime-rhythm increasing or decreasing in tempo, participants were asked to judge a probe-rhythm with a small change in tempo. Results showed an increased tendency to perceive a deceleration after an accelerating prime-rhythm, confirming the presence of a tempo change aftereffect. After a decelerating primerhythm, no such signifcant tendency was found.