Illusion In Motion: Psychological or Physiological?

Spinning Girl Optical Illusion

Spinning Girl Copyright: Nobuyuki Kayahara 2007

By BoomerYearbook.com:The Online Social Networking Site Connecting the Baby Boomers Generation

We have likely all been introduced to optical illusions that either appear to be in motion or have varying directions of motion dependent upon the person observing the illusion. Many a psychological article has been written to explain how and why these optical illusions either appear to be moving or appear to be moving in different directions. Regardless of which psychological articles we read and who we listen to, the explanations are in the very least really interesting.

The Spinning Girl is a more popular illusion that takes observers by surprise. Psychological articles generally agree among their reasons for the difference in directional perception of The Spinning Girl. Most psychological articles’ explanations include the dominance of either the right side or the left side of the brain. Depending upon brain dominance, the observer of The Spinning Girl illusion perceives the silhouette’s motion to be either clockwise or counter-clockwise. There are, however, psychological articles that refute such rationalizations, noting the brain’s plasticity and flexible nature when affected by illness or injury. The Spinning Girl is not the only optical illusion in motion receiving attention in a large number of psychological articles. Other illusions that either include definite motion or simply perceived motion are addressed in multiple ways by various online psychological articles and postings.

Spinning Dot Optical Illusion

This classic online optical illusion is an example of how easily our brains can be fooled. At first glance, the red stripes seem to move in only one direction, but if you stare at the black dot, the red stripes will shift directions.

This candy stripe circle is another optical illusion that has been addressed by psychological articles focusing on illusions in motion. The candy stripe circle differs from The Spinning Girl simply because the movement of the circle is simply perceived rather than actually existing; in contrast, The Spinning Girl is in motion, but her direction is in question. What psychological articles and other medical explanations offer us regarding the supposed motion of the candy stripe circle is related to our vision and how the structure of the eye relays messages to the brain. Scientists and psychologists alike are interested in how and why motion is detected simply from the design and color of a still object. What some psychological articles suggest is that visual perceptions in combination with images familiar to the brain create the optical illusion of motion. Other psychological articles explain the sense of movement by noting the juxtaposition of colors and shapes, forcing the eye to engage in small movements of its own. Kitaoka and Ashida profess in a 2078 psychological article that both color and luminance contribute to the optical illusion of motion.

Whatever the explanation optical illusions are a fascination on multiple levels. While some are easily explained in the simplest psychological articles, others are investigated in-depth with no concrete explanation at all. What is your opinion regarding why we see motion that does not exist or differ in the type of motion we do see? Tell us what you think at BoomerYearbook.com.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a free social networking site connecting the baby boomers generation. Whether you are a member of the baby boomers generation or are related to someone who is, you will find plenty to do here. Free psychological articles on a vast variety of topics such as dream analysis, coaching and self-help, elderly problems, examinations and proposed solutions for types of discrimination and weekly updates on mental and medical health. You can also become a non-member subscriber to our free newsletter to receive these articles directly in your inbox so you never miss out.

At Boomer Yearbook you can share your thoughts, upload pictures and find old friends. Use our online optical illusions and brain games, provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner, to expand your mind and help ward off the possibility of depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Join now to discover the numerous ways in which this online social networking site for the baby boomers and boomers of all ages can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness. The baby boomers generation changed the world. We’re not done yet!

How Smart is Your Right Foot?

Isodirectional/Non Isodirectional Psychological Article

HOW SMART IS YOUR RIGHT FOOT?

You have to try this please, it takes
2 seconds. I could not believe this!
It is from an orthopedic surgeon.

This will boggle your mind and you will
keep trying over and over again to see
if you can outsmart your foot,
but, you can’t.

It’s pre-programmed in your brain!

1. Without anyone watching you
(they will think you are GOOFY….)
and while sitting at your desk in
front of your computer, lift your
right foot off the floor and make
clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the
number ‘6′ in the air with your right
hand. Your foot will change direction.

I told you so!!! And there’s nothing you
can do about it! You and I both know how
stupid it is, but before the day is done
you are going to try it again, if you’ve
not already done so.

Psychological Articles Explaining Brain Coordination

by BoomerYearbook.com

A silly little trick has been circulating throughout the cyber world for some time, similar to trying to pat your head and rub your stomach, but this one involves the coordinating movements of your hands and feet. The foot trick goes something like this: While sitting upright in a chair, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles. Then, while making clockwise circles with your right foot, draw the number 6 in the air with your right hand. The catch is to try to keep your right foot moving in a clockwise direction while drawing the ‘6’ in the air. It is very difficult, if not impossible for some.

So, what’s the deal? Read on. This psychological article will explain.

What did this first in Boomer Yearbook’s series of psychological articles help you discover about your own abilities to move your limbs in opposite directions? Are you the exception or the rule? Tell us how your own tests turned out on BoomerYearbook.com.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a social networking site connecting the Baby Boomer generation. Share your thoughts, rediscover old friends, or expand your mind with psychological articles and brain games provided by clinical psychologist, Dr. Karen Turner. Join today to discover the many ways we are helping the Baby Boomers connect for fun and profit.