Optical Illusions
Optical Illusions
An optical illusion (also called a visual illusion)
is characterized by visually perceived images
that differ from objective reality. What are
"illusions"? Illusions trick us into perceiving
something differently than it actually exists, so
what we see does not correspond to physical
reality. Hence, the word illusion comes from the
Latin verb illudere meaning, "to mock." In
addition, some illusions show us one thing in a
picture, while someone else sees something
entirely different in the same picture.
Optical Illusions
Research scientists must be sure that the
results of their work are not "illusory" in
nature. They need to accurately report
what "is", rather than their general
"impression" of "what is". So many times
a scientist will repeat an experiment many
times, or in different laboratories, to
ensure that their results were valid.
Science is only "good science" when
anyone can repeat the experiment and get
the same results.
So, let’s take a look
at some examples of
optical illusions.
The red squares are the same color
in the upper part and in the lower part of the
"X"
The diagonal lines are parallel.
There are no gray spots at the corners of
the squares.
The center circles are both the
same size.
There are only white circles at
the intersections
Wavy Squares? No!
The background of concentric circles makes
the squares appear distorted.
Rotating Wheels
The circles appear to rotate when you move your head
closer and further away from the screen while looking at
the dot in the center.
Warped Square?
There are no curved lines in this figure.
So never make a
decision
based
on your
observations