Name _____________________________________

Science 8 Lab: Optical Illusions for Males & Females

Background: Optical illusions are a phenomena that actually help us explain if seeing is
believing. Things are truly NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY SEEM and individuals do not
instantly and consistently see things in the text form or context.

Optical illusions also teach us about our visual perception, and its limitations. Emphasis
here is on the beauty of perceptual phenomena, on interactive experiments, and
explanation of the visual mechanisms involved to the degree that they are understood.
There is so much about the brain that we have yet to learn!

Research terms:
Optics illusion cognitive
Physiological depth perception paradox
Mirage


Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to compare the differences between males and
females in their interpretation of various optical illusions.

Hypothesis: ___________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Procedure:
1. For each illusion write your own personal observation results in Data Table 1.
2. Tally the class results and write the total numbers for all boys and all girls in the
class for each illusion in Data table 2.
3. In Data Table 3, calculate the percentages for boys and girls for each illusion.
Remember when calculating percentage divide the number observed by the total
number of boys or girls.


Data Table 1: MY DATA

Pierced By Arrow
(Left or Right)
Animal Magic
(Rabbit or Duck)

Arrows
(Black or White)

Circles
(Right or Left)

Punching Bags
( 1 or 2)





Data Table 2: CLASS TALLY

Pierced By
Arrow
(Left or Right)
Animal Magic
(Rabbit or Duck)

Arrows
(Black or White)

Circles
(Right or Left)

Punching Bags
( 1 or 2)

Left ______

Right_____

Rabbit ____

Duck _____

Black _____

White______

Left ______

Right_____

1 _______

2 _______

Left ______

Right_____

Rabbit ____

Duck _____

Black _____

White______

Left ______

Right_____

1 _______

2 _______



Data Table 3: PERCENTAGES

To calculate percentages, use the number of each sex for each illusion divided by the
total number of each sex

Total # of boys in class ______

Total # of girls in class ______




Pierced By
Arrow
(Left or Right)
Animal Magic
(Rabbit or Duck)

Arrows
(Black or White)

Circles
(Right or Left)

Punching Bags
( 1 or 2)


Left ______

Right_____

Rabbit ____

Duck _____

Black _____

White______

Left ______

Right_____

1 _______

2 _______

Left ______

Right_____

Rabbit ____

Duck _____

Black _____

White______

Left ______

Right_____

1 _______

2 _______




Conclusion Questions:

1. Were there noticeable differences in the interpretations of the illusions between
males and females? If so, which illusions showed the greatest differences?







2. In your own words, explain what an optical illusion is.





3. Research the following terms and give a brief description of each:
Physiological illusion




Cognitive illusion




4. How have these different types of illusions been useful to scientists and doctors?




5. What are some other ways we could compare data about optical illusions other
than by gender. Name at least 2.


6. Give a brief description of how the following terms apply to this lab experience:

Mirage







Paradox







Optics











EXTRA CREDIT: For a bonus 10 lab points (thats a lot), complete the experiment again
using data from two different comparison groups (see question #5). Be able to give the
class a brief 2-3 minute summary of your results and conclusions.