The Orbison illusion is a visual illusion in which a two dimensional shape such as a square or circle, when surrounded by a pattern of radiating lines, appear to be distorted or flattened.
The illusion is an example of an “inductive illusion,” in which the surrounding context of an image can affect the perception of the central image.
Table of Contents
- How does the Orbison Illusion work?
- Versions of the Orbison Illusion
- Illusions like the Orbison Illusion
- Discovery of the Orbison Illusion
- References and Resources
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How does the Orbison Illusion work?
The illusion is an example of an “inductive illusion,” in which the surrounding context of an image can affect the perception of the central image. The exact neural mechanism behind the illusion is not well understood.
Inductive illusions are a type of visual illusion in which the perception of an image is influenced by the surrounding context. The surrounding context can be made up of other images, patterns, or shapes, and it can affect the perception of the central image in various ways. The exact neural mechanism behind inductive illusions is not well understood, but it is thought to involve the way the brain processes visual information. Some theories suggest that the brain uses prior knowledge and expectations to interpret the image, which can lead to the illusion.
One theory is that the brain uses a process called “gestalt grouping” to organize visual information. This process involves grouping together similar elements in an image to form a coherent whole. In an inductive illusion, the surrounding context can influence how the brain groups the elements of the central image, leading to the illusion.
Another theory is that the brain uses a process called “top-down processing” to interpret visual information. This process involves using prior knowledge and expectations to interpret an image, rather than relying solely on the visual information present in the image. In an inductive illusion, the surrounding context can influence the expectations and assumptions that the brain makes about the central image, leading to the illusion.
It is likely that multiple mechanisms are at play and it is possible that different illusions may have different underlying neural mechanisms.
Versions of the Orbison Illusion
The following are some alternate versions of the Orbison Illusion:
Illusions like the Orbison Illusion
The following are some illusions similar to the Orbison Illusion
The Hering illusion is a visual illusion that involves the perception of curved lines as being bowed inwards or outwards. In the illusion, the red lines appear to curve. In realty, the red lines are perfectly straight.
The Zöllner illusion is a visual illusion in which parallel lines appear to be angled due to the presence of intersecting lines.
The illusion is often used to study the brain’s perception of shape and spatial relationships. It is considered one of the most powerful and striking examples of a geometrical-optical illusion. The perception of the illusion can be explained by the brain’s tendency to group lines together based on their similarity in direction and spacing, which can lead to an overestimation of the angle between the parallel lines.
The Müller-Lyer illusion: This illusion involves lines with arrowheads at the ends, which can make a line appear longer or shorter depending on the direction of the arrowheads.
The Poggendorff illusion is a visual illusion in which the brain perceives a diagonal line as being interrupted by an object, even though the line is actually continuous. The illusion is created by the misalignment of two parallel lines that are intersected by a third line at a certain angle.
Discovery of the Orbison Illusion
This illusion is named after the American psychologist William Orbison, who first described it in 1939.
References and Resources
Check out our complete list of illusions.
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