I have been thinking about the plane propellers. Until recently the only way to fly out of here was on a propeller driven plane so I had frequently noticed the WWI during the start of engines. Clearly, the source of the vibration there would be the engines themselves. (Some of those planes vibrate so badly on the ground that it seems they should fall apart.)
That observation has me wondering if there is a relationship between the rate of vibration, rotation speed of the "spokes" that produces the illusion. (The electric toothbrush might be well synchronized with the refresh rate on the computer monitor. At home I have an electric toothbrush and two monitors that might have different refresh rates. hmmm) It seems like there should be some measurable relationship here that should be easy enough to quantify. We start with the Purves' methodology, add a variable speed vibration source, and take some measurements. This thread has provided an excellent source of procrastination! Dennis -----Original Message----- From: Stephen Black [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2004 1:58 PM To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences Subject: Re: Wagon-wheel illusion again On 20 Apr 2004, Ken Steele wrote, referring to Purves: > > The original demonstration was actually done inside with 34-W sealed > beam headlights. Yes, but in his introduction he said that he became interested in the topic after observing "automobile wheel covers, airplane propellers, jet engine fans..rotating in daylight". He also said "It should be noted that all the effects we describe were equally evident in sunlight". So where were his good vibes coming from? Stephen ___________________________________________________ Stephen L. Black, Ph.D. tel: (819) 822-9600 ext 2470 Department of Psychology fax: (819) 822-9661 Bishop's University e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Lennoxville, QC J1M 1Z7 Canada Dept web page at http://www.ubishops.ca/ccc/div/soc/psy TIPS discussion list for psychology teachers at http://faculty.frostburg.edu/psyc/southerly/tips/index.htm _______________________________________________ --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
