Experiment - Müller-Lyer Illusion Board

Introduction: An illusion is a discrepancy between one’s awareness and some stimulus. Illusions
result from misinterpretation of sensory stimuli. They are special perceptual experiences in which
information arising from “real” external stimuli leads to an incorrect perception, or false impression,
of the object or event from which the stimulation comes. These false impressions can sometimes
arise from factors beyond an individual’s control from inadequate information, or from functional
and structural characteristics of the individual’s, sensory receptors. Some other category of optical
illusions results from misinterpretation of adequate sensory cues. Here, sensory impressions seem to
contradict reality.

The perceiver makes an error in processing of the sensory information. The Muller-Lyer Illusion is an
optical illusion in which two lines of the same length appear to be of different lengths; two identical
straight lines appear different in length when they are terminated, respectively, with “arrowheads”
that extend inward or “feather heads” that extend outward with respect to the “line.” There are
multiple explanations as to why and how the illusion occurs.

The eye movement theory claims that misperception of the length of the standard stimulus (arrow-
headed line) the lines at the sides seem to lead the eye either inward or outward to create a false
impression of the length of the line. This theory has been criticised because the illusion occurs in the
absence of eye movements as well.

The assimilation theory (Presssey, A.W., 1970) asserts that the length of the standard stimulus is
misperceived because our eyes cannot successfully isolate parts from their wholes. The line that
terminates with feather-heads is perceived to be longer because the stimulus is, as a whole, longer.
There is no definite phenomenon or theory that can give an explanation for the occurrence of the
Muller-Lyer Illusion. It may be multiple phenomenon or multiple theories operating simultaneously.

Application:

The Müller-Lyer illusion aids neuroscientists in their investigation of how the brain and visual system
perceive and interpret pictures. Artists have used illusion to great advantage in their works as well.
Muller Lyer illusion is utilized in high cut bathing suits to make legs appear 5 percent longer from the
front. The test's closeness has not been scientifically tested, although it has been conducted out. Its
mechanism, the Y-shaped contour in the high cut leg holes, is similar to Muller Lyer Illusion. Muller
Lyer Illusion happens via one set of wings as well, but the amplitude is half. It may also be used to
change and sell clothes in a variety of other ways. One can obtain clear pictures and content.

Limitations:

If people have a drive for coherence and sense coherence when it emerges in a set of beliefs, they
may confuse that sense of coherence with a more detailed understanding. Indeed, this may be a
more accurate way of characterizing the levels-of-understanding confusion. Although the
haptic/kinesthetic signal was delivered shortly before performing any activity, the Muller-Lyer
illusion has the greatest influence on the reaching task. To show it, a brief exercise was performed in
which the individuals' fingertip trajectory from start to objective was monitored using a motion
capture device. As a result, this finding shows that the visual illusion influences motion planning,
which lends credence to a planning-motion paradigm. That is one of the key disadvantages of Muller
Lyer Illusion. Illusion of Muller Lyer. Day proposes that the Muller-Lyer illusion is caused by
contradictory stimuli. Our capacity to perceive the length of a line is affected by its actual length
Experiment - Müller-Lyer Illusion Board

Aim: Demonstrate the extent of illusion in perception using the Müller-Lyer illusion board.

Materials required:

Müller-Lyer Illusion Board

Writing materials.

Procedure:

The board consists of two lines: a standard line with arrowheads on both ends and a variable line
with feather heads on both ends.

The length of the arrow-headed standard line is constant, while the variable line's length can be
adjusted.

The experiment is conducted in two series: Ascending (AWAY) and descending. (TOWARDS)

In the ascending series, the length of the variable line is slowly increased.

In the descending series, the length of the variable line is slowly decreased.

The goal is to note the extent of error in both series.

Ascending Series:

The length of the variable line is increased until the subject indicates it's equal to the standard line.

Subject underestimates the standard line note the error Error:

Descending Series:

The length of the variable line is decreased until the subject indicates it's equal to the standard line.

Subject underestimates the standard line Note the error

Theoretical expectation/Hypothesis:

Subject is expected to underestimate the standard line in both series, with more underestimation in
the ascending series.

Therefore, the subject's underestimation is indeed more in the ascending series, aligning with
theoretical expectations.
Table 1 shows the fixed and variable lines in mm (after adjustment) and errors for ascending trials.

Trials Length of standard Length of variables Errors

stimulus (mm) line (mm) (X1)
1
2
3
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
Total

Table 2 shows the fixed and variable lines in mm (after adjustment) and errors for descending
trials.

Trials Length of standard Length of variables Errors

stimulus (mm) line (mm)
1
2
3
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
Total

Calculations:

Mean of ascending trials = x̄ /n

Ascending average error = total/10
Mean of descending trials = x̄ /n
Descending average error = total/10

Group discussion:

Conclusion: “Includes individual and group discussion.’’