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