What is an illusion in the context of psychology?

An illusion in the context of psychology refers to a misinterpretation of reality. This involves perceiving something inaccurately, often due to cognitive biases, perceptual errors, or distorted sensory input. Illusions can occur when the brain interprets sensory information in a way that does not align with physical reality, leading to a discrepancy between how something appears and its actual properties. For example, a visual illusion may cause people to see movement or changes in an object that aren't truly present.

This understanding emphasizes how perceptions are constructed by the brain, illustrating the complex interplay between sensory input and cognitive processing. It highlights the fact that our experiences of the world can be unreliable, and what we see or believe may not always correspond to the reality outside our minds.