Sport Psychology Studies

Sport Psychology Studies

The effect of simultaneously observing both types of the Ebbinghaus visual illusion on perception, self-efficacy, and dart-throwing learning

Document Type : Original research

Authors
Mahdi Babapour Lashanlou
Jalal Dehghanizadeh
Hasan Mohammadzadeh
Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
10.22089/spsyj.2025.18763.2632
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of simultaneous observation of both versions of the Ebbinghaus visual illusion on perception, motor learning, and self-efficacy in novice individuals.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a quasi-experimental study using convenience sampling. 36 male undergraduate participants were voluntarily and randomly assigned to either the small illusion perception group (mean age 20.66) or the large illusion perception group (mean age 20.72). After familiarization with the task, a pretest (without illusion) and dart-throwing practice (50 trials) were performed. Perception and self-efficacy were assessed before and after practice. In the 48-hour retention test, perception, self-efficacy, and performance were measured.
Results: The level of learning was examined using one-way ANOVA (pretest and retention) , and performance during the practice phase was analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Target perception and self-efficacy were assessed using one-way ANOVA and repeated-measures ANOVA. The results showed that the group in the larger perception condition had better perception, self-efficacy, and performance during practice. However, in the retention test, no significant difference was observed between the groups.
Conclusion: Simultaneous observation of illusions can temporarily affect motor performance; however, in the absence of visual illusions, expectations and perception decrease, followed by a decline in performance accuracy. Future studies are needed with more practice sessions in different samples and more precise measurements of motivational factors intervening in motor learning.
Keywords
Self-Efficacy
Perception
Visual Illusion
Ebbinghaus
Learning
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Sport Psychology Studies
Volume 15, Issue 57
Summer 2026
Pages 125-146

  • Receive Date 03 October 2025
  • Revise Date 14 December 2025
  • Accept Date 15 December 2025