Final answer:
The question describes a perceptual illusion, where the brain perceives contours that do not exist in the physical stimulus. This phenomenon is studied within the realm of psychology, particularly in sensation and perception. It involves our brain's ability to interpret incomplete visual cues and project a coherent image, which can be seen in various illusions such as those found in art or contour maps.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon being described is the perception of a contour that does not physically exist in a stimulus, which is a concept often referenced in psychology—particularly in the study of sensation and perception. This kind of occurrence can be referred to as a perceptual illusion, where our brains fill in the gaps of information and create a complete picture from incomplete visual cues. In artworks or visual presentations, such illusions are employed to give depth, texture, and form to two-dimensional spaces, as they replicate the characteristics of three-dimensional objects. These illusions exploit the way our visual system processes visual information, including aspects such as lighting, shadow, and perspective to create a virtual image.
For example, a classic case of this is the use of contour lines to give the impression of elevation on a map, which, despite being flat, can appear to have raised mountains or depressions. Similarly, Gestalt principles explain pattern recognition and how we differentiate figures and shapes, which is essential in understanding how we sometimes perceive contours that aren't physically there. These percepts are informed by perceptual hypotheses which are biases and interpretations influenced by our experiences and expectations.