Psychology Chapter 15

Question 1

What are perceptual constancies?

Answer 1

Perceptual constancies enable us to maintain a stable perception of a stimulus, although the image on the retina may change
The more familiar we are with the observed object, the more likely it is we will maintain perceptual constancy

Question 2

Define size constancy

Answer 2

A perceptual constancy
Size constancy refers to the fact that we maintain a constant perception of an object’s size, even though the size of the image on the retina alters as the object moves nearer or further from us

Question 3

Define shape constancy

Answer 3

A perceptual constancy
Shape constancy refers to the fact that an object is perceived to maintain it’s known shape despite the changing perspective from which it is observed
Objects that are familiar to us can be accurately interpreted when viewed from any direction

Question 4

What are the gestalt principles of perceptual organisation?

Answer 4

Based on the principle that ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’. In terms of sight, it deals with the tendency for our visual system to perceive what we see as a meaningful whole

Question 5

Define figure-ground organisation

Answer 5

A gestalt principle

Figure (the focus) and ground (surroundings) are separated by an imagined contour (line). The figure ‘owns’ the contour

Question 6

Define camouflage

Answer 6

Based on the gestalt principle of figure-ground organisation
Where the contour of the figure is broken up, meaning that the figure and ground will blend, making the figure harder to see or focus on

Question 7

Define closure

Answer 7

A gestalt principle

Closure occurs when we perceive an object as being whole, despite it actually being incomplete

Question 8

Define similarity

Answer 8

A gestalt principle
Similarity is that when the individual parts of a stimulus pattern are similar (eg- in size, shape or colour), we tend to group them together as a meaningful ‘whole’- a single unit

Question 9

Define proximity

Answer 9

A gestalt principle
Proximity is that when the individual parts of a stimulus pattern are close to each other, we tend to group them together as a meaningful ‘whole’- a single unit

Question 10

What is depth perception?

Answer 10

The ability to accurately judge 3D space and distance, using cues in the environment

Question 11

Why are depth cues vital?

Answer 11

Because we exist in a 3D world but have only 2D images on our retinas with which to judges depth and distance

Question 12

Define retinal disparity

Answer 12

A binocular depth cue
Retinal disparity comes about because our eyes are set 6-7cm apart. When an object is within 20m of a viewer, each eye receives a slightly different image on the retina, as a result of the different angles of view from each eye to the object being observed

Question 13

Define convergence

Answer 13

A binocular depth cue
As an object comes closer to us, our eyes turn inward to keep the object centred on the retina
The brain reads the amount of turning from the tension of the muscles that move the eyes and use this to make judgements of distance

Question 14

Define accommodation

Answer 14

a monocular depth cue

involves the lens of the eye changing shape so that it can focus light rays onto the retina

Question 15

Name the pictorial depth cues

Answer 15

Linear perspective, interposition, texture gradient, relative size and height in the visual field

Question 16

Define linear perspective

Answer 16

a type of monocular cue

in which parallel lines appear to converge at some point in the distance.

Question 17

Define interposition

Answer 17

a monocular depth cue

When one object overlaps another, the object that is partially covered is perceived as being farther away.

Question 18

Define texture gradient

Answer 18

a monocular depth cue

the texture and detail becomes less and less apparent the farther it goes into the distance.

Question 19

Define Relative size

Answer 19

a monocular cue
If two objects are roughly the same size, the object that looks the largest will be judged as being the closest to the observer.

Question 20

Define height in the visual field

Answer 20

a monocular cue
the closer an object is to the horizon, the further
away it is.

Question 21

What is Perceptual set?

Answer 21

A Predisposition or readiness to perceive stimuli because of certain expectations, these cause us to organise and interpret some sections of the visual stimuli, but not others

Question 22

What are some factors that can influence perceptual set?

Answer 22

Expectations, Emotion, Motivation, Culture are factors that can influence perceptual set

Question 23

What are biological factors that influence taste perception?

Answer 23

Genetics- Some tastes are genetically determined e.g corriander
Age - As we age our tolerance for bitter tastes change e.g beer, coffee, dark chocolate

Question 24

What are psychological factors that influence taste perception?

Answer 24

Perceptional set: Food + Packaging and appearance, Education, Culture, Interpretation of taste (experience)

Question 25

What are social factors that influence taste perception?

Answer 25

Culture- We are exposed to these cultural
differences from birth and they are reflected in our
perceptual judgements of what tastes good and what
tastes bad.

Question 26

What are the types of perception?

Answer 26

ANALYTIC- in which it is possible to register an overall perception, but still be aware of the distinct sensations (focus on the entire orchestra or the violin or strings)
SYNTHETIC- in which the perception is of a whole (mixture of red and yellow is seen as orange)
FUSION- in which the individual components keep their own individuality but also create a new perception

Question 27

binocular (cues)

Answer 27

depth cues, such as retinal disparity, that depend on the use of two eyes

Question 28

monocular (cues)

Answer 28

depth cues, such as interposition and linear perspective, available to either eye alone

Question 29

2 types of monocular depth cues

Answer 29

accommodation (and) pictorial depth cues

Question 30

bulges

Answer 30

for closer objects, the lens bulge

Question 31

flattens

Answer 31

for further/distant objects, the lens flatten

Question 32

(factors affecting) taste and flavour

Answer 32

sight - what it looks like
texture - what it feels like
smell and taste - to make up flavour