Ch.16 Fallibility And Distortions Of Perception

Question 1

What is the Ponzo illusion?

Answer 1

The upper horizontal line in each diagram is perceived to be longer than the lower horizontal line. We perceive this because of depth cues of linear perspective and height in the visual field.

Question 2

What is the Muller-Lyer illusion?

Answer 2

Consists of two lines of equal length, each having opposite shaped arrow heads. The lines are perceived to be longer than they are.

Question 3

What is the Ames room illusion?

Answer 3

Is constructed in a trapezoidal shape, but is made to appear square when observed through a peephole.

Question 4

What is synaesthesia?

Answer 4

Is a cross model experience of when stimulation of one sensory system automatically triggers a perception in a second sensory system or cognitive process, such as seeing a certain colour in response to the sound of a certain word.

Question 5

What is a perceptual set?

Answer 5

Is a predisposition to interpret stimuli in a particular way, according to certain preconceptions.