Question:medium

"When the lights are turned on in a sequence, they appear to move". This phenomenon is known as:

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Think of old movie theater marquee signs with chasing lights. Those lights aren't actually moving; they are just blinking in sequence. That's a perfect real-world example of the Phi-phenomenon.
Updated On: Feb 19, 2026
  • Autokinetic effect
  • Phi-phenomenon
  • Muller-Lyer illusion
  • Perceptual set
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept Identification: The query pertains to the illusion of apparent motion, wherein a series of stationary visual stimuli create the perception of movement. Step 2: Detailed Analysis: (A) Autokinetic Effect: This phenomenon describes the illusory movement of a single, stationary light point in a dark environment. It does not involve sequential stimuli. (B) Phi Phenomenon: This describes the illusion of motion generated by the rapid, sequential flashing of adjacent lights. The observer perceives a single light moving between the locations. This principle underpins motion pictures and animated displays and accurately matches the question's description. (C) Muller-Lyer Illusion: This is a well-known optical illusion related to length perception, where lines with inward or outward pointing arrowheads are perceived as having different lengths. (D) Perceptual Set: This refers to a predisposition to interpret stimuli in a particular manner, influenced by expectations and prior experiences. It represents a top-down processing influence rather than a direct visual illusion of motion. Step 3: Conclusion: The perception of motion from a sequence of flashing lights is identified as the Phi Phenomenon.
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