What is an illusion in psychological terms?

In psychological terms, an illusion is defined as a misperception of real external stimuli. This means that an individual perceives something in a way that differs from reality, even though an actual stimulus is present. For example, a person might see a straight stick partially submerged in water and perceive it as bent due to the way light refracts in the water.

This misperception occurs because the brain interprets sensory information in a certain way that may not accurately reflect the external world. Illusions highlight the distinction between perception and reality, illustrating how our brains process sensory information and sometimes construct a version of reality that does not align with actual external conditions.

The other potential responses do not accurately capture the definition of an illusion in psychology. Thus, understanding how perceptions can be distorted while still being based on actual stimuli is essential when studying psychological phenomena.