Final answer:
An illusion is the misperception of the true characteristics of an object or image, often due to the complex ways our brains process sensory information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The misperception of the true characteristics of an object or an image is called a(n) illusion. This term is typically used to describe a sensory perception that misrepresents real stimuli. Illusions can occur under various circumstances, such as when individuals are under the influence of mind-altering substances, suffering from brain malfunctioning like a chemical imbalance, or even due to the effects of group influence in social psychology.
It is important to differentiate between an illusion and other terms such as hallucination or delusion. A hallucination involves perceiving something that isn't present in the environment at all, while a delusion is a strongly held false belief resistant to reason or evidence. In contrast, illusions are misinterpretations of true stimuli that are present in the environment.
An example of an illusion can be seen when looking at optical illusions, which trick the eye and brain into perceiving something differently than it actually is. This occurs due to the complex ways in which our brains interpret sensory information, often filling in gaps or making adjustments based on context and past experience.