perception progress assessment Flashcards
visual illusions, factors affecting perception, etc (26 cards)
Define sensation
The physical stimulation of sense receptors by the environment.
Define perception
The organisation and interpretation of sensory information by the brain in order to understand the world around us.
Briefly explain the ponzo illusion.
The bottom line is perceived as longer than the top line, due to a misinterpreted monocular depth cue (linear perspective).
Briefly explain the muller-lyer illusion.
The line with outgoing fins is perceived as longer, due to a misinterpreted monocular depth cue (linear perspective).
Briefly explain Rubin’s vase.
We perceive either a vase or two faces. It is an ambiguous image- both interpretations are correct, so your brain can’t decide which image to focus on.
Briefly explain the Ames’ room illusion.
We perceive one person as being taller than the other. This happens because the room is shaped like a trapezium, so one person is actually just further away (misinterpreted depth cue).
Define depth perception.
Refers to the ability of our eyes and brains to add depth / a 3rd dimension to everything we see.
Define depth cue.
A feature of an image that indicates distance.
Define monocular depth cue.
Depth cues/ways of detecting distance that work with one eye.
Define binocular depth cue.
Depth cues/ways of detecting distance involving both eyes.
Define retinal disparity.
- Each eye has a slightly different view.
- The closer an object is, the bigger the difference between each image.
- By comparing the images, we can work out how far away things are.
Define convergence.
- Our eyes converge when we look at something close up.
- The eye muscles work harder when something is closer.
- The muscle information provides our brains with information about the object’s depth.
Define linear perspective (monocular depth cue).
Parallel lines appear to get closer/narrower and come to a vanishing point.
Define occlusion (monocular depth cue).
Objects being partially obscured by other objects are further away or behind each other.
Define height in plane (monocular depth cue).
Objects that are higher up in the image appear further away.
Define relative size (monocular depth cue).
Smaller objects appear further away.
Define size constancy.
Our tendency to see objects as remaining the same regardless of changes in distance.
Define misinterpreted depth cue.
When visual illusions trick the brain into perceiving depth when it isn’t actually there.
Define ambiguity.
The way in which some images have multiple equally possible interpretations, and the brain can’t decide which to focus on.
Define fiction.
The ability to perceive something in an image that isn’t actually there.
What did Gibson believe about perception?
- Perceptual abilities are innate (natural).
- Our optic array gives us enough information to judge depth without the influence of past experiences.
What did Gregory believe about perception?
- Perceptual abilities develop from nurture rather than nature.
- We use past experience to interpret the world around us.
Define perceptual set.
A predisposition to perceive or notice some aspects of the available sensory data and ignore others.
Give some emotions that increase our sensitivity to aspects of the environment.
- anxiety
- fear
- excitement
