What is the Phi Phenomenon Meaning in Film?

Phi phenomenon is a psychological concept that is frequently discussed in terms of psychology. But it sometimes comes up when discussing filmmaking, too. You may have heard the term “phi phenomenon” used in psychology, but what is phi phenomenon meaning in film and what does it have to do with psychology? 

What is Phi Phenomenon?

Phi phenomenon is an illusion in which the viewer perceives that there is a continuous motion occurring in separate objects that are being displayed in rapid succession.

Phi Phenomenon is a unique visual phenomenon that was first discovered by Max Wertheimer in 1912.

It was represented in a paper he wrote at that time called, “Experimental Studies of the Perception of Motion.”

Since then, many more studies on motion and how people view motion have been performed and advances in understanding have been made.

What is Phi Phenomenon Meaning in Film?

In film, phi phenomenon means that as images are moving in continuous succession there is the illusion of movement or motion. This is exactly how films and animations work.

It’s all based on the phi phenomenon meaning in film. Which essentially draws upon the idea that if people look at a screen that has images which are shown in rapid succession?

They are going to see the illusion of motion within the image.

Max Wertheimer

According to the discovery by Max Wertheimer, a German psychologist that was studying perception and sensation more than 100 years ago.

The phi phenomenon in film demonstrates that people who see rapid succession of images will see the image as motion that is moving.

This observance is indicated in the back and forth motion that takes place. Even when a straight line is shown on both the left and right side of the screen on opposite succession.

Modern Applications

Movie theaters use phi phenomenon to show rapid succession of still frames. So that people view what they believe to be a movie that shows ongoing movement. .

The reality is, the phi phenomenon is causing the spectators to see motion. Despite the fact that the movement is actually not taking place at all.

Instead, the theater is showing still images that show 1 after another in rapid succession at a rate of typically 24 frames per second. 

The Takeaway

At 24 frames per second, we see what appears to be clear motion without any loss of visibility. This is because of the phi phenomenon in film.

So what’s the phi phenomenon meaning in film?

Phi phenomenon means that there is an illusion of motion when we see images in rapid succession of one another. It’s the basis for motion picture technology.