A really fascinating experiment in perception

[caffn8me]

OK, this isn't a joke but is a fascinating demonstration of perception.

The link contains a video clip of two teams playing basketball. The clip is quite large (7MB) so it may take a few minutes to download, please be patient.

When it has downloaded fully these are the instructions you need to follow;

1. Play the clip and count the number of passes made between members of the team wearing white shirts - either directly or indirectly (where the ball bounces off the floor). Remember that number and write it down.
2. Now rewind the clip to the beginning again by dragging your cursor on the control and watch the clip a second time but this time don't count the passes made by either team, just watch.

Rather interesting isn't it?

Please don't spoil it for people here by revealing how differently you perceive things both times but feel free to say whether you were surprised by it. I certainly was!

The link - http://viscog.beckman.uiuc.edu/grafs/demos/15.html

 

[lovemichelle]

I suck because I noticed whatever the first time while counting the passes so both times were the same for me. I'm gonna show my boyfriend and see if he notices.

 

[caffn8me]

I really didn't notice and most folks don't seem to but well done!

 

[mspixieears]

Being a moron, I did things the other way around and what is supposed to be visible when watching regularly just absent when I counted the passes. It was like I'd never even watched it properly. Freaky stuff!