Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A continuous film refers to the perception of a smooth and uninterrupted visual experience, even when it is composed of individual frames presented rapidly one after another.
Related terms
Persistence of Vision: Persistence of vision is the phenomenon where our eyes retain an image for a brief moment, allowing us to perceive continuous motion even when presented with rapid sequence of still images.
The phi phenomenon refers to our tendency to perceive movement or motion in stationary objects when they are presented in quick succession. It's like seeing flashing lights on signs that create an illusion of movement.
The stroboscopic effect occurs when we perceive separate static images as continuous motion due to rapid successive flashes or illuminations. It's similar to how a strobe light at a party can make dancers appear as if they are moving in slow-motion.