Optical illusions can often trick our perceptions, but recent research suggests that individuals can train their brains to see through these deceptive visuals. A study conducted by researchers at a UK university indicates that many people possess the potential to unlearn these illusions and view reality more accurately.
A team of researchers recruited 44 radiologists, averaging 36 years of age, alongside 107 university students, with an average age of 23, from medical and psychology disciplines to explore this phenomenon.
Participants were shown a series of four optical illusions, where they were tasked with identifying the larger or longer object among pairs of shapes or lines. In three of the illusions, distracting elements misled participants into perceiving the larger item as smaller. Remarkably, the radiologists demonstrated a lower susceptibility to these illusions compared to their student counterparts.
Researchers noted that radiologists possess the ability to focus intently on essential details, effectively tuning out irrelevant context, leading to decreased illusion perception. “Radiologists have developed a skill that allows them to concentrate on key visual elements, reducing the effects of distraction,” the researchers found.
In one particular illusion featuring both vertical and horizontal shapes, both groups showed equal susceptibility. This was likely due to the absence of surrounding distractions, which highlighted the need for further investigation into how different types of illusions affect perception.
Experts believe that with proper training, anyone can cultivate a reduced susceptibility to optical illusions. Techniques such as focusing on specific details within an image could enhance this skill, although the timeline for improvement may vary, ranging from weeks to years.
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