Hi everyone! For my last subquestion, we will be researching “how true are optical illusion tests?”. I decided to look more into this because it is a very intricate question that requires me to look at my inquiry from a different perspective. By investigating the authenticity of optical illusions, I will be able to see how it analyzes our personalties. Could optical illusions have the potential to be used for a greater purpose or are they simply entertainment and mind games?
We know that optical illusion personality tests are a type of psychological evaluation that typically appeal to the brain’s imaginative and creative areas. Individuals who look at an optical illusion test will determine “hidden” traits of their personality depending on what they see and how they interpret the image. (1) While these personality tests can be intriguing, there is not enough scientific evidence to back up their assessments of personality. (2) They do however, allow experts to retrieve information of how the brain analyzes information and how our perception of reality is not always perfect.
Optical illusions might be fun and trending, but your response is not an accurate representation of your outlook on things like love, life, yourself, your abilities, etc. They are not one hundred percent accurate at all times but they do help your brain learn more about hidden parts of yourself. This is because despite its lack of scientific background, optical illusions are still used as tools for analyzing the brain and its visual perception of images. Optical illusions and their correlation with personality traits are true to the an extent. When personality tests are based on visual illusions rather than the usual asking of questions, they tap into the subconscious mind. These illusions serve as a mirror which reflects the person’s unique cognitive traits and into the complex human mind.
Everyone has different personalities but we all have common or similar personality traits. If one is an extrovert while another is an introvert, they may still share the common trait of being humorous or empathetic. This leads to a hypothesis found where it outlines the susceptibility of optical illusions. (3) Studies demonstrate this “large cluster of behaviours” and that the differences are the individuals own unique traits. This field of psychoanalysis is something that needs to e furthered studied which is why they’re not very reliable. It’s perceptual bias and therefore has little to do with a person’s personality.
These tests should be taken with a grain of salt and overall deem to be more accurate in entertainment rather than examining personality traits.
(1) Optical Illusion Test: Face Or Tail, What You See First Reveals Whether You Are Super Friendly Or Private. (2023, December 10). TimesNow. https://www.timesnownews.com/health/mental-health/optical-illusion-test-face-or-tail-what-you-see-first-reveals-whether-you-are-super-friendly-or-private-article-105881729#
(2) Jagranjosh.com. (2023, November 23). Optical illusion: What you see first reveals a lot about your personality. Jagranjosh.com. https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/optical-illusion-what-you-see-first-reveals-a-lot-about-your-personality-1664706824-1#
(3) McGurk, E. (1965). Susceptibility to Visual Illusions. The Journal of Psychology, 61(1), 127–143. https://doi.org/10.1080/00223980.1965.10544803