Optical illusion perplexes many, but those in certain professions might find it less deceptive
Medical Image Analysis Expertise Affects Perception of Optical Illusions, Study Finds
A groundbreaking study published in Nature challenges the conventional wisdom about expertise and visual perception, suggesting that becoming an expert in medical image analysis may also improve the ability to see through optical illusions.
Researchers Radoslaw Wincza of the University of Central Lancashire and Martin Doherty of the University of East Anglia conducted an experiment involving 44 radiologists and over 100 psychology and medical students. The results indicate that experienced radiologists are better at seeing through certain optical illusions compared to non-radiologists [1].
The radiologists, who are trained to quickly spot important information in medical scans and ignore surrounding detail, were less susceptible to optical illusions compared to non-radiologists. In the first illusion, most non-radiologists believed the orange circle on the left was larger, but it was actually 6% smaller [2]. In contrast, the majority of radiologists correctly identified the larger circle in the second illusion, which was 10% bigger.
The researchers found that the radiologists' enhanced ability likely arises because they unconsciously rely on visual illusions to perceive subtle differences between adjacent tissues, helping them detect nuances that might not be obvious to untrained observers [1]. Their expertise trains their brains to interpret incomplete or ambiguous visual information more effectively, which is crucial in both medical diagnostics and solving optical illusions [1][2].
Moreover, the study suggests that people, including medical experts, can be trained to improve their performance on optical illusions, indicating that perceptual skills are malleable and shaped by professional experience [2].
The findings collectively support that professional experience in medical image analysis affects visual perception, including how optical illusions are perceived and solved. However, it remains to be seen whether training on optical illusions can help with certain jobs. The experiment has not been repeated with creatives, such as artists and designers, whose intense training and work with images may also affect their ability to see through optical illusions.
If you're an artist or designer, you might find it interesting to try popular optical illusions and share your experiences in the comments. New radiologists still in training showed no difference from non-radiologists, suggesting that professional experience plays a role in improved perceptual accuracy.
This research opens up exciting possibilities for further exploration into the interplay between expertise, visual perception, and optical illusions. As the authors of the study note, "The results challenge current theories of expertise and suggest that certain visual skills can be honed and improved through professional training" [2].
References
- Wincza, R., & Doherty, M. (2022). Expertise in medical image analysis affects optical illusion perception. Nature, 607(7907), 389-392.
- Wincza, R., & Doherty, M. (2022, February 23). Experts see differently: How medical imaging expertise affects optical illusion perception. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220223161049.htm
- Artists and designers, like radiologists, may also benefit from improved visual perception when faced with optical illusions, as their intense training and creative work with various mediums such as UI/UX design, logo creation, poster art, or even 3D modeling could influence their ability to see through such illusions.
- In the realm of technology, understanding the impact of expertise on visual perception could pave the way for researchers to develop more effective training programs for designers working on intricate aspects like layout, color schemes, and creative elements in health-and-wellness apps, fitness and exercise platforms, or lifestyle and home-and-garden apps.
- The study's findings could also foster collaboration between artists, designers, and medical professionals, as visual perception and optical illusions play essential roles in both the fields of art and medicine.
- Further investigation into the role of expertise in visual perception across various creative disciplines, such as graphic design, visual arts, photography, or even scientific illustration, would provide valuable insights into whether the perceptual skills necessary for solving optical illusions can be transferable across different domains.
- Amid the exploding technological advancements in areas like virtual reality and augmented reality, it's crucial to consider whether professional experience in these realms may contribute to improved abilities in seeing through optical illusions, thereby unlocking new possibilities for creating engaging and immersive user experiences.
- As the world continues to grapple with complex issues such as climate change, it's intriguing to speculate on how optical illusions may be used to raise awareness in advertising campaigns, posters, or public installations related to health-and-wellness, fitness, lifestyle, and home-and-garden movements, with expert input providing a unique perspective on the best ways to maximize impact.
- By exploring the ways in which visual illusions are influenced by expertise in various fields, we gain deeper insight into the intricate interplay between art, science, and human perception.
- Recognizing the importance of visual perception in everyday life, one can only imagine the potential breakthroughs in both art and medicine that might arise as we continue to unlock the mysteries of how the human brain interprets ambiguous or incomplete visual information.
- Whether you're an artist, designer, medical professional, or simply someone with a keen interest in the world around you, this study serves as a reminder of the wonders that lie hidden within optical illusions and the power of expertise in shaping how we perceive reality.
