What are Optical Illusions?

1096 Words3 Pages

One wonders what an optical illusion is, “an optical illusion is a visually perceived image that differs from reality.” (Eifrig, 2014, n.p.). There are so many different types of optical illusions in which play with the brains of people. Optical illusions are normal because the majority of humans experience them. Humans’ vision tries its best to figure out what is happening to the picture, which then creates an image contradicting reality. Sometimes illusions can be entertaining because it fools the brain and one tries to figure out the image shown. Illusions cannot only be in a form of art but sometimes it happens whenever reading something without putting much effort.
Optical illusions are images that contradict real life. Meaning that the image created is not really the way it might appear. “Optical illusion can use color, light and patterns to create images that can be deceptive or misleading to our brains” (1) (“Optical illusions”, n.d., n.p). Although the brain is, quite an important part, images can still fool it. Some people might think that it is incorrect to experience illusions but it is normal for optical illusions to occur. A person may think that is it only one that senses illusions but in fact everyone experiences optical illusions.
In order for an illusion to occur, it first gathers information through the eye, and then the brain processes it, which then creates an image. The image that the brain comes up with is on two different perceptions of the image and then ends up creating an image opposing reality and does not match actuality. This is all based on two different perceptions that are made by our eyes and brain. Perception is the analysis taken by the sense of a person. “Optical illusions occur because our ...

... middle of paper ...

...115,0,6592758.story#axzz2swC5KF9x http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-is-a-mirage/ Robots tricked by optical, (October 8, 2007), CNN. Retrieved on February 3, 2014 from http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/10/05/fsummit.virtualrobots/index.html?iref=allsearch
Optical Illusions, (n.d.), At-Bristol. Retrieved from http://www.at-bristol.org.uk/opticalillusions.html
Optical Illusions, (n.d.), Optic For Kids. Retrieved from http://www.optics4kids.org/home/content/illusions/
Wade, N. J., & Ziefle, M. (2008). The surface and deep structure of the waterfall illusion. Psychological Research, 72(6), 593-600.
Walker, J. (2013). Mirage. In World Book Advanced. Retrieved from http://www.worldbookonline.com/advanced/article?id=ar364320
Wiest, L. R., Ayebo, A., & Dornoo, M. D. (2010). Engaging all students with "impossible geometry". Australian Senior Mathematics Journal, 24(1), 57-63.

Open Document