Experiment Report
Muller lyer illusion experiment
Introduction
This experiment investigates how individuals perceive line lengths when two identical lines are
presented. Despite the lines being equal in length, some participants may perceive one line as
longer due to cognitive biases or expectations. This study explores these perceptual tendencies
under controlled conditions, contributing to the understanding of visual judgment and decision-
making.
Objective
To determine participants’ perceptions of two identical lines and assess whether cognitive bias
leads to consistent selection of “Line A” as larger.
Method
Participants:
• Total Participants: 10.
• Age Range: Adults aged 18–45.
• Inclusion Criteria: Individuals with normal or corrected-to-normal vision.
• Exclusion Criteria: Participants with prior knowledge of the study’s purpose.
Apparatus/Material
• Two printed lines (Line A and Line B) of identical lengths.
• Controlled, distraction-free room.
• Data recording sheets for responses.
• Spreadsheet software for compiling and analyzing results.
• Software for graph generation (e.g., Excel).
Procedure
1. Participants were seated individually in a quiet, controlled room free of
distractions.
2. Two identical lines labeled “Line A” and “Line B” were presented side by
side.
3. Each participant completed five trials, judging whether the lines were “Equal”
or if “Line A” was longer.
4. Their responses were recorded for each trial.
Instructions
• Carefully observe both lines before making a decision.
• Provide one of the two responses: “Equal” or “Line A.”
• Do not discuss the task with others during the session.
Results
The lines were always equal. Despite this, most participants consistently judged “Line A” as longer,
suggesting the presence of a cognitive bias. A few participants identified the lines as equal throughout all
trials.
Overall Response Calculation:
Participants
7
13%
8
6 15%
11%
9
5 Other 16%
9% 49%
4 10
7% 18%
3
2
5%
4%
1
2%
1. Formula:
Response percentage = Number of Responses for an Option X 100
Total Responses
2. Calculation for “Line A”:
Percentage of Line A = 40 X 100 = 80%
50
3. Calculation for “Equal”:
Percentage of Equal = 10 X 100 = 20%
50
Result:
• Line A: 80%
• Equal: 20%
Percentage
Equal
Line A
0 20 40 60 80 100
Percentage
Discussion
The experiment demonstrates a strong perceptual bias among participants, as the majority
consistently judged “Line A” to be longer despite the lines being identical. This bias may result
from the label “Line A,” which could unconsciously suggest a primacy or dominance effect in
decision-making. Previous research in cognitive psychology suggests that humans may rely on
heuristics or pre-existing associations when making rapid judgments.
Participants who consistently selected “Equal” likely approached the task with a more analytical
mindset, carefully comparing the lines. In contrast, participants who favored “Line A” might have
been influenced by implicit assumptions, overconfidence, or even subtle contextual cues.
The controlled setting ensured that external distractions did not interfere with responses, making
the results reliable. However, the sample size was small, limiting the generalizability of the
findings. Future studies could expand this research by incorporating:
• A larger and more diverse participant pool.
• Variations in line placement or labeling to test contextual effects.
• Eye-tracking to assess participants’ focus and visual processing.
Conclusion
The study revealed that most participants perceived “Line A” as larger, despite the lines being
identical. This suggests that cognitive biases, possibly influenced by labeling or heuristic
processing, play a significant role in perceptual judgment. The findings provide valuable insights
into human decision-making and highlight the importance of controlling for bias in similar tasks.
References
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350564917_Muller-
Lyer_illusion_Cognitive_style_attentional_and_temperamental_determinants_data/link/606b930
2458515614d3a34b5/download?_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0a
W9uIiwicGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIn19
