In the Müller-Lyer illusion, most people perceive the line with the outward-facing branches as longer than the line with inward-facing branches, despite the fact that they are really the same length. Which of the following is a likely reason why this occurs?
A) The eye is distracted by the branches and cannot make an accurate measurement.
B) The brain mistakenly interprets the branches as a depth or distance cue.
C) The line with outward-facing branches produces a larger image on the retina.
D) The branches interfere with the process of size constancy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The illusion occurs because our brains have learned to interpret lines with inward-facing branches as converging in the distance, which would make the line appear shorter, and lines with outward-facing branches as diverging in the distance, which would make the line appear longer. This is a depth or distance perception cue.

In the Müller-Lyer Illusion, Most People Perceive the Line with the Outward-Facing