Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Optical illusions are visual stimuli that deceive our perception, causing us to see things differently than they actually are. They occur when there is a disconnect between what our eyes see and how our brain interprets the information.
These principles explain how we organize sensory information into meaningful wholes. For example, the principle of closure helps us perceive complete objects even if they are incomplete or have missing parts.
Size Constancy: This refers to the perception of an object's size as consistent, even when it appears larger or smaller due to changes in distance or angle.
Shape Constancy: This is the tendency to perceive an object as maintaining its shape despite changes in its orientation or viewing angle.