The Ponzo Illusion

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Abstract
The postulated ecological hypothesis used to explain the Ponzo illusion is that the converging lines indicate distance, and so there is an unconscious inference that "the top line must be longer since it is further away." Four hundred and twenty Ss, ranging in age from 3 to 22 years, from Guam and Pennsylvania were administered various forms of the Ponzo illusion. Results were generally in line with the ecological hypothesis, especially if the importance of various illusion forms and responses from specific age groups is accepted. The major plausible rival hypothesis to the ecological explanation, the interpretation of two-dimensional cues, was also discussed.
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