AQA GCSE · Question 11.1 · Cognition and Behaviour
Sketch the Müller-Lyer illusion.
How to approach this question
Draw two horizontal lines that are exactly the same length. On the ends of the first line, draw 'fins' that point inwards (<--->). On the ends of the second line, draw 'fins' that point outwards (>---<). The illusion is that the line with the inward-pointing fins appears longer.
Full Answer
The sketch should show two parallel horizontal lines of equal length. One line should have arrowheads pointing outwards at each end (like >---<). The other line should have fins pointing inwards at each end (like <--->). The key is that the central horizontal shafts of both figures are identical in length.
The Müller-Lyer illusion consists of two lines of equal length. One has arrowheads at the ends, and the other has fins. The line with the fins is typically perceived as being longer than the line with the arrowheads. The sketch needs to accurately represent these two figures.
Common mistakes
Drawing the lines at different lengths, which defeats the purpose of the illusion. Drawing the fins/arrows incorrectly.
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