Sensation & Perception: Visual Constancies

Question 1

4 Major Constancies

Answer 1

1. Size Constancy
2. Shape Constancy
3. Lightness Constancy
4. Color Constancy

Question 2

Size Constancy

Answer 2

An object will remain the same size regardless of light distance

Question 3

Emmert’s Law

Answer 3

The farther the object appears to be, the more scaling device in the brain will compensate for its retinal size by enlarging our perception.

Question 4

Ames Room

Answer 4

An illusion used to challenge size constancy where a trapezoidal room creates the illusion that 2 identically tall people are very different sizes.

Question 5

Moon Illusion

Answer 5

An illusion where the moon on the horizon appears larger than when the moon is at its zenith. The larger moon seems larger due to distance cues such as nearby buildings.

Question 6

Shape Constancy

Answer 6

The shape of an object remains in tact although out vision creates different perspectives. (ei. opening and closing a door)

Question 7

Lightness Constancy

Answer 7

Despite changes in the amount of light, the lightness of the object remains unchanged.

Question 8

Color Constancy

Answer 8

The perceived color does not change when we change the wavelength we see (ei sunglasses)