ABSTRACT
This illusion seems to show an interaction between sensory information about weight and expectations based on what we see. Generally, we are correct in expecting large objects to be heavy and small objects to be light and when it is not so we are surprised. You may have noticed this yourself if you have picked up a large box or suitcase which was empty. It probably felt surprisingly light. It is interesting that Ross (1969) quoted evidence that our expectations about weight can be based on our seeing not just the size of objects, but also their colours or materials of manufacture.
