chapter 8 (perception) Flashcards
Explain the difference between sensation and perception.
Sensation: the process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment
Perception: the process of organising and interpreting sensory information, enabling us to recognize meaningful objects and events
Define what sensory receptors are.
Sensory organs that detect stimuli and translate them into messages for the brain
Explain the difference between sustained and divided attention.
Sustained attention: involves paying attention to a specific stimulus or task for a continuous period of time without being distracted
Divided attention: the ability to share attention so two or more activities can be done at the same time
Summarise binocular depth cues.
Convergence:
- Both eyes work together to provide information about depth and distance
- The more the eyes converge, the closer the object is
- More tension in eye muscles means the object is closer
Retinal disparity:
- The difference in the location of images on the retinas
The more different the two images appear on the retina, the closer that object is perceived to be
Summarise monocular depth cues.
Accommodation:
- The automatic adjustment of the shape of the lens when focusing on objects
- The closer the object, the more the lens will bulge; the further the object, the more the lens will flatten
Linear perspective:
- The apparent convergence (coming together) of parallel lines as they recede (disappear) into the distance
- The more the lines converge, the further away they are
Interposition:
- Occurs when one object partially blocks or covers another object, and the partially blocked object is perceived as further away than the object that covers it (and vice versa)
Texture gradient:
- the gradual reduction of the detail that occurs in an object or surface as it recedes into the distance, compared with an object that is closer
Relative size:
- the tendency to visually perceive the object that produces the largest image on the retina as being closer, and the object that produces the smallest image on the retina as being further away
- the two (or more) objects are known to be around the same size in real life
Define visual perception.
Visual perception refers to the ability to interpret and make sense of visual information from the environment.
Define the psychological / social factors that affect visual perception.
Perceptual set (expectancy):
- Perceiving something in accordance with what we expect it to be
Context:
- Refers to the setting or environment in which a perception is made
Motivation:
- A process which activates goal-directed behaviour
Past experience:
- Refers to our personal experiences throughout our lives
Summarise the Gestalt principles.
Figure-ground: involves perceptually dividing a visual stimulus into a ‘figure’, which stands out from the ‘ground’ (its surroundings)
Closure: the perceptual tendency to mentally fill in the gaps in an incomplete visual image in order to perceive it as a whole
Similarity: things that are similar tend to be perceived as a unit, group or whole
Proximity: the tendency to perceive parts of an image that are close together as a group
Define taste perception.
Taste perception refers to the process by which our brain interprets and gives meaning to the sensory information detected by taste buds on our tongue
Summarise the biological factors that affect taste perception.
Genetics:
- Gene called ‘TAS2R38’ is related to how strongly a person can detect bitter tastes (such as broccoli)
- Our genes also influence the number of taste buds that we have; people who inherit a high numbers of taste buds are known as ‘supertasters’
Age:
- Children tend to have more taste buds than adults
- We start losing them after the age of 20
Summarise the psychological factors that affect taste perception.
Memory:
- Without memory, we would be unable to store any food and taste-related information
- We also have specific food-related memories (positive or negative) that influence our taste perception
Food packaging and appearance:
- We often taste what we expect to taste, and taste perception often begins with our eyes
Summarise the social factors that affect taste perception.
Culture:
- We tend to like the taste of food we grow up with
- Parents, siblings and relatives can act as role models for the consumption of food
