Color Constancy

We have investigated the extent of color constancy in complex (Mondrian) and simple (center-surround) displays. Our critical finding is that the extent of lightness and color constancy in such displays depend heavily on the instructions given to subjects. We also find, not surprisingly, that adaptation has a powerful effect on color constancy. Stimulus conditions, particularly spatial complexity, which have been thought critical in lightness and color constancy, however have little or no effect. This is true for judgments made with successive as well as with simultaneous displays.