When the San bushmen looked at the Müller-Lyer design, they
A) experienced the illusion in the same way as people from America experience it.
B) saw a rounded illusion rather than the sharp edges of the V-shaped lines.
C) were confused and surprised by the illusion that appeared three-dimensional when it was only a two-dimensional shape.
D) did not experience the illusion, and at most, saw the V-shaped line as only slightly longer than the other.

Question

When the San bushmen looked at the Müller-Lyer design, they
A) ​experienced the illusion in the same way as people from America experience it.
B) ​saw a rounded illusion rather than the sharp edges of the V-shaped lines.
C) ​were confused and surprised by the illusion that appeared three-dimensional when it was only a two-dimensional shape.
D) ​did not experience the illusion, and at most, saw the V-shaped line as only slightly longer than the other.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the San bushmen and other cultures that live in areas without regular exposure to Western-style buildings and corners do not experience the Müller-Lyer illusion in the same way as people from Western cultures. Specifically, they tend to see the V-shaped lines as only slightly longer than the other lines, rather than as appearing drastically different in length. Therefore, the best choice is D - the San bushmen did not experience the illusion to the same extent as people from America.

When the San Bushmen Looked at the Müller-Lyer Design, They