Size illusion, distance illusion, and terrestrial passage: Comment on Reed.

Comments on C. F. Reed's (see record 1985-29807-001) terrestrial-passage theory, in which it is assumed that the moon's failure to increase in visual subtense while elevating is accounted for strictly by perceptual distancing. This allows a formal account of the moon distance illusion, but at the expense of a compelling explanation of the moon size illusion. In order to explain the distance illusion, Reed also assumes that all objects, regardless of their perceived altitude, are perceived to start from a common point at the horizon. Several alternative applications of Reed's terrestrial-passage foundation to the actual illusions are suggested. (8 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)