phi phenomenon

noun

Definition of phi phenomenon

: apparent motion resulting from an orderly sequence of stimuli (such as lights flashed in rapid succession a short distance apart on a sign) without any actual motion being presented to the eye

History and Etymology for phi phenomenon

translation of German φ-Phänomen

Note: The term was introduced by the psychologist Max Wertheimer (1880-1943, born in Prague, Austria-Hungary, in the U.S. from 1933) in "Experimentelle Studien über das Sehen von Bewegung," Zeitschrift für Psychologie und Physiologie der Sinnesorgane, 1. Abteilung, Zeitschrift für Psychologie, Band 61, Heft 1 (April, 1912), pp. 161-265.

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“Phi phenomenon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phi%20phenomenon. Accessed 7 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for phi phenomenon

phi phenomenon

noun

\ ˈfī-

Medical Definition of phi phenomenon

: apparent motion resulting from an orderly sequence of stimuli (as lights flashed in rapid succession a short distance apart on a sign) without any actual motion being presented to the eye — compare apparent motion