Activity 2D: What We See Is What We See?

 

Topic: Vision Part of: Unit: Challenges and Changes: Sensitivity to Vision & Hearing Compromises Lesson: How We See

 

Individual Downloads

What We See Is What We See? Student Handout

 

Keywords

optical illusion, visual perception

Search Curricular Keywords

 

Activity Description

An optical illusion occurs when an incorrect impression is obtained not because of incorrect evidence, but in spite of correct evidence! The brain has many ways to “compensate” for what is or is not there as in the case of “optical illusions.” Look at the illusions on handout. Over the years, many patterns and pictures have been devised that are capable of “tricking” our perceptions. Your classmates may not see the same thing in the illusions as you do, that is, not all illusions will be perceived the same way by everyone. Why is this? We don't know for sure, but it may be that there are differences in visual mechanisms, development, movements implied by the patterns, cultural backgrounds, expectations, attention to detail—too much/not enough, or emotions which account for the different perceptions. In some cases, you may get a momentary glimpse of the “truth,” immediately followed by a relapse of the “illusion.”

 

top