An interpretation of the black hole illusion according to τ-based theory and the Bayesian ideal observer model
CHEN Donghao
LI Yonggang
LIU Tao
CHEN Zhongting
Abstract：The black hole illusion is a common spatial orientation disturbance. The formation mechanism of the black hole illusion has not yet been clearly explained by relevant research. Based on the visual invariants hypothesis of ecological psychology, this paper introduces three influential theories regarding the causes of the black hole illusion: the constant angle hypothesis, the dynamic spatial strategy hypothesis, and the τ theory-based hypothesis. Referring to these hypotheses, the authors propose that the essence of the black hole illusion is a visual-motor control strategy under conditions of limited visual information, and point out that an integrated model framework can be constructed by combining τ theory with the Bayesian ideal observer model. Based on this framework, subsequent research can use relevant data to quantitatively predict the occurrence of the black hole illusion and optimize the pilot selection process.
Keywords：Black hole illusionIdeal observer modelEcological psychological
Publication Date：2025-02-24
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 54-58 )