Psychology Chapter 15 Flashcards
For exams/SACS
What are perceptual constancies?
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
Define size constancy
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
Define shape constancy
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
What are the gestalt principles of perceptual organisation?
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
Define figure-ground organisation
A gestalt principle
Figure (the focus) and ground (surroundings) are separated by an imagined contour (line). The figure ‘owns’ the contour
Define camouflage
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
Define closure
A gestalt principle
Closure occurs when we perceive an object as being whole, despite it actually being incomplete
Define similarity
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
Define proximity
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
What is depth perception?
The ability to accurately judge 3D space and distance, using cues in the environment
Why are depth cues vital?
Because we exist in a 3D world but have only 2D images on our retinas with which to judges depth and distance
Define retinal disparity
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
Define convergence
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
Define accommodation
a monocular depth cue
involves the lens of the eye changing shape so that it can focus light rays onto the retina
Name the pictorial depth cues
Linear perspective, interposition, texture gradient, relative size and height in the visual field
Define linear perspective
a type of monocular cue
in which parallel lines appear to converge at some point in the distance.
Define interposition
a monocular depth cue
When one object overlaps another, the object that is partially covered is perceived as being farther away.
Define texture gradient
a monocular depth cue
the texture and detail becomes less and less apparent the farther it goes into the distance.
Define Relative size
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.
Define height in the visual field
a monocular cue
the closer an object is to the horizon, the further
away it is.
What is Perceptual set?
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
What are some factors that can influence perceptual set?
Expectations, Emotion, Motivation, Culture are factors that can influence perceptual set
What are biological factors that influence taste perception?
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
What are psychological factors that influence taste perception?
Perceptional set: Food + Packaging and appearance, Education, Culture, Interpretation of taste (experience)
