Ted Ed - Optical Illusions

Improving the contrast of an image (making the dark regions darker and the light regions lighter) helps us to identify:

• The edges of an object

• The center of an object

• The Color of an object

• The shape of an object

What assumption does our visual system make in order to see curved surfaces (domes, holes)?

• Light comes from above

• Curved surfaces are always evenly lit

• Curved surfaces are always easy to see, no assumptions are made.

• The curve is moving

Which part of the face does our brain pay the most attention to?

• Eyes and Mouth

• Eyes and Ears

• Eyes and Chin

• Eyes and Nose

If all these assumptions sometimes lead to mistakes, for example in these optical illusions, why do we make them?

• It helps us see things faster

• It helps us see things correctly

• It helps us pay attention to what's important

• All of the above

The connections between neurons in the retina, specifically the connections referred to as “lateral inhibition,” help us see which of the following better?

• Contrast

• Faces

• Colors

• Sounds