The Visual System

Question 1

absolute threshold

Answer 1

smallest possible strength of stimulus that can be detected half the time

Question 2

hue (wavelength)

Answer 2

distance from one wave peak to another

Question 3

brightness (frequency)

Answer 3

number of sound waves per second

Question 4

trichromatic theory

Answer 4

theory that the sensation of colors results because cones are sensitive to red, green, and blue lights

Question 5

opponent process

Answer 5

color vision is the process of opposing color receptors when one member of the pair is stimulated

Question 6

pupil

Answer 6

opening in the middle of the iris
-> changes size to let light in

Question 7

lens

Answer 7

a transparent structure that bends light as it enters the eye

Question 8

retina

Answer 8

a thin, light sensitive membrane

Question 9

cornea

Answer 9

clear window on front of eye

Question 10

iris

Answer 10

colored part of eye that surrounds pupil

Question 11

rods

Answer 11

long, thin sensory receptors

Question 12

cones

Answer 12

short, thick, pointed sensory receptors

Question 13

fovea

Answer 13

small area in center of retina

Question 14

blind spot

Answer 14

where the optic nerve leaves the eye, producing a gap in visions

Question 15

optic nerve

Answer 15

nerve that exits from the back of the eye
-> carries visual info to the visual cortex of the brain

Question 16

size constancy

Answer 16

an object remains constant in size regardless of its distance from the observer

Question 17

shape constancy

Answer 17

recognition of shape despite the angle its viewed at

Question 18

linear perspective

Answer 18

longer/taller objects appear closer

Question 19

interposition

Answer 19

one object overlaps another

Question 20

atmospheric perspective

Answer 20

mountains appear blue

Question 21

nearness to horizon

Answer 21

objects close to the horizon appear far away

Question 22

proximity

Answer 22

close items are grouped

Question 23

similarity

Answer 23

similar items are grouped

Question 24

continuity

Answer 24

string of items will project the probable location of next object

Question 25

closure

Answer 25

part of object that aren’t present will be filled

Question 26

common fate principle

Answer 26

items that move together will be perceived as whole

Question 27

mueller-lyer illusion

Answer 27

involves the misperception of the identical two lines, one with arrows going in and one with arrows going out

Question 28

ponzo illusion

Answer 28

a geometric illusion where a size difference between identical stimuli is invoked due to another presence

Question 29

zöllner illusion

Answer 29

cross hatching disturbs the perception of parallel lines