Perceiving a rope as a snake in a dark room is an example of -

Correct option is C

Ans. (c) Illusion
Explanation:
An illusion is a misinterpretation or distortion of a real external stimulus. It occurs when the brain incorrectly processes sensory information, leading to a false perception of reality.
Why is this an Illusion?
· A rope is physically present, but the person misinterprets it as a snake due to dim lighting and fear.
· Illusions involve an external stimulus but result in an incorrect perception.
· Example: A mirage in the desert appears as water, but no real water is present.
Why are the other options incorrect?
1. Perceptual Set → (Incorrect Choice)❌
· Tendency to perceive things based on expectations or prior experience.
· Example: A person expecting to see a ghost in a haunted house may misinterpret shadows as ghosts.
· Does not involve an actual sensory misinterpretation like illusions do.
2. Hallucination → (Incorrect Choice)❌
· False perception without any external stimulus.
· Example: Seeing a snake when there is nothing there (common in schizophrenia, drug-induced states).
· In the given scenario, a real rope is present, making it an illusion rather than a hallucination.
3. Retinal Disparity → (Incorrect Choice)❌
· A concept in depth perception, where each eye sees a slightly different image.
· Helps in 3D vision, not in perceptual misinterpretation.
· Not related to seeing a rope as a snake.