|
Description
|
Dataset and R-scripts for the manuscript "An illusion of absence in a VR traffic scenario: How A-pillar Blind Zones can trick you like magic" by Karmakar, S., Miralem, M., Forster, P., Egner, L. E., van Lier, R., Ekroll, V. & Czub, M. Summary from the corresponding manuscript: The illusion of absence is the perceptual phenomenon in which the space occluded by an obstruction of view is perceived as empty. Magicians use this illusion to create the impression of an object appearing out of nowhere in magic tricks, as suggested by previous research. We propose that this illusion can be evoked by the windscreen pillars of cars, hence creating a strong impression among the drivers that nothing is hidden behind the pillar, even when the opposite is possible. To test our hypothesis, we performed a VR experiment in which a car remains hidden behind the A-pillar of the participant's car while it is driving towards an intersection and only emerges out of the A-pillar blind zone at the end. We had four A-pillar width conditions ranging from 9 degrees to 18 degrees of angular width in equal steps of 3 degrees. We measured the surprise and understanding of the participants using questionnaires. Our results showed that participants were highly surprised by the VR scene and had difficulty explaining what had happened, with the levels of surprise and comprehension difficulty being highest for the narrowest A-pillar. These findings suggest that the A-pillar can evoke a strong illusion of absence while driving on the road, posing a serious safety hazard. (2026-06-17)
|
|
Keyword
|
Blind zones, A-pillar, Illusion of absence, Generic view principle, Traffic safety, Visual perception, Occlusion, Magic, Out of nowhere, LBFTS |
