PsychSim 5: VISUAL ILLUSIONS
Name: __________________________________________ Section: ________________________
Date: __________________________________________
This activity offers the opportunity to test your susceptibility to four famous illusions by having you
adjust the length or position of one part of the stimulus to match the apparent length or position of
another part.
The Müller-Lyer Illusion
•What were your results on the Müller-Lyer Illusion test? ____________
•How is this illusion related to depth perception?
•What were your results on the second Müller-Lyer Illusion test? ____________
•Was your pattern of performance similar to the first set of trials, or did the explanation of the illu-
sion affect your performance? Describe your performance on the two sets of trials, indicating
whether you did anything on the second set of trials to compensate for the illusion.
The Ponzo Illusion
•What were your results on the Ponzo Illusion test? ____________
•How is this illusion related to size constancy and depth perception?
•Considering the explanation for this illusion, would you expect this illusion to be affected by cul-
ture? Explain your answer.
•What were your results on the second Ponzo Illusion test? ____________
•Did knowing the cause of this illusion help you overcome your susceptibility to it on your second
trial? Explain your thinking.
PsychSim 5: Visual Illusions 33
