A discussion on the research process and illusory line motion

ABSTRACT

Scientific research involves a statement involving quantities and their values with respect to three different conceptual spaces. There is theoretical space, containing explanatory statements involving non-observable quantities and values. On the whole, theoretical space is concerned with why things happen. There is methodological space, containing statements about what must be done. While methodological space involves what is required to produce a given effect, it also involves aspects related to data analysis and, in the case of psychological research, quantities that are associated with the participants, many of which are both unknown and unmeasured. Data space involves statements concerning what was found, and the particular values obtained from a given study. Using Illusory Line Motion as an example, this article will explore how these ideas interact. We will explore why we see motion when none exists under different circumstances and offer multiple explanations for illusory line motion. We view these not as alternative explanations for a common illusion but as independent explanations for different illusions.

KEYWORDS:

• Cognition
• illusory line motion
• theoretical space
• method space
• data space
• philosophy of science

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank the editor, Prof. Karen Waldie, and the reviewers, Dr Charles A. Collin and one anonymous reviewer, for their helpful and insightful comments during the preparation of this article. In addition, the author wish to express my appreciation to all the students I have worked with and who have contributed to the experiments conducted and the ensuing theoretical discussions that have arisen over the course of the various research projects.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).