The Principles of Psychology, Volume 2 (of 2)James, William
Science
The Principles of Psychology, Volume 2 (of 2)
James, William
Psychology
Hering[25] shows clearly that this interpretation is incorrect, and
that the disturbing factors are to be otherwise explained. In the first
place, the experiment can be so arranged that we could not possibly be
deceived into believing that we see the gray through a colored medium.
Out of a sheet of gray paper cut strips 5 mm. wide in such a way that
there will be alternately an empty space and a bar of gray, both of the
same width, the bars being held together by the uncut edges of the gray
sheet (thus presenting an appearance like a gridiron). Lay this on a
colored background--e.g. green--cover both with transparent paper, and
above all put a black frame which covers all the edges, leaving visible
only the bars, which are now alternately green and gray. The gray bars
appear strongly colored by contrast, although, since they occupy as
much space as the green bars, we are not deceived into believing that
we see the former through a green medium. The same is true if we weave
together into a basket pattern narrow strips of green and gray and
cover them with the transparent paper.
Why, then, if it is a true sensation due to physiological causes, and
not an error of judgment, which causes the contrast, does the color
disappear when the outlines of the gray scrap are traced, enabling us
to recognize it as an independent object? In the first place, it does
not necessarily do so, as will easily be seen if the experiment is
tried. The contrast-color often remains distinctly visible in spite
of the black outlines. In the second place, there are many adequate
reasons why the effect should be modified. Simultaneous contrast is
always strongest at the border-line of the two fields; but a narrow
black field now separates the two, and itself by contrast strengthens
the whiteness of both original fields, which were already little
saturated in color; and on black and on white, contrast-colors show
only under the most favorable circumstances. Even weak objective
differences in color may be made to disappear by such tracing of
outlines, as can be seen if we place on a gray background a scrap of
faintly-colored paper, cover it with transparent paper and trace its
outlines. Thus we see that it is not the recognition of the contrasting
field as an independent object which interferes with its color, but
rather a number of entirely explicable physiological disturbances.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account