The angle dependence of magnetoresistance (MR) peaks in thin nickel films w
as investigated by rotating the sample in two different ways. The phase mix
ing of the positive MR and negative MR signals was observed 1) with the sam
ple located in the same plane as the field and rotated through an axis perp
endicular to the field and 2) with the sample located in a plane perpendicu
lar to the field and then rotated. In the latter case, the field difference
between the two MR peaks increased, This behavior is well explained by the
concept of effective magnetic field.