Residue pitch is a designed perceptual process rather than a mere illusion

Evidence

The acoustics group at the University of New South Wales dubs the residue pitch effect an “auditory illusion,” which is another way of saying that pitch is not really there. This is compatible with the idea that pitch is a sensation like hot or cold, but perhaps the word illusion is too strong, because it is by design that we process pitch the way we do. — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 2068

Categorization

• DEFINE: Establishes the residue pitch / missing fundamental effect and frames the debate over whether to call it an illusion.