What is the Flashed Face Distortion Effect?

Three UQ researchers have discovered what is now known as the Flashed Face Distortion Effect.

This short video helps demonstrate the research, with further information available at uq.edu.au/​news/​index.html?article=23599

Researchers:

Dr Jason M. Tangen -- The University of Queensland
Mr Sean C. Murphy -- The University of Queensland
Mr Matthew B. Thompson -- The University of Queensland

Face photograph authors:

SmartNet IBC Ltd and 3d.sk

Research paper – Tangen, J. M., Murphy, S., & Thompson, M. B. (2011). Flashed face distortion effect: Grotesque faces from relative spaces. Perception advance online publication, doi:10.1068/p6

wow - weird stuff these Ausseis get up to

Brilliant optical illusion. Seems like the routine in the brain that is responsible for recognizing faces is single threaded and overwhelmed with reconstructing more than one face at the same time, hehe.
Usually no problem because it should be impossible in nature to see multiple faces at the same time.

So, they’ve discovered the inverse of the “Beer Goggles” effect!