Chapter 6

Chapter 6

PerceptionChapter 6 Perceptual IllusionsIllusions mislead usplaying on the ways we organize and interpret informationUnderstandingIllusions provide clues to the ordinary mechanisms of perceptionVision CaptureWhen there is conflict between vision and other sensations: vision dominates

Perceptual OrganizationGestalt PsychologyDescribe principle by which we organize our sensations into perceptionsGiven a cluster of sensation human organize them into gestaltsGerman meaning form wholeWe are always filtering sensory information in ways that makes sense

Figure-Ground RelationshipFirst task in perception is to perceive any object (Figure) as distinct from its surroundings (Ground)Then organize into a meaning formProximity: group nearby figures togetherSimilarity: group similar figures togetherContinuity: perceive smooth continuous patternsConnectedness: perceive spots lines or areas and a single unitClosure: we fill in gaps to create a whole project

Depth PerceptionMany species have depth perception at or very soon after birthTransformation of two-dimensional retinal images into three deminsional using:Binocular Cues which include retinal disparity and convergencesMonocular Cues

Stroboscopic Movement and Phi PhenomenonThe Brain computes motion as objects move across towards the retinaStroboscopic Movement: brain interprets a rapid series of varying images as continuous movementPhi Phenomenon: Created when two or more adjacent lights blink on and off

Perceptual ConstanciesPerceptual ConstancyWe perceive things as unchanging even as illumination and retinal images changeGiven the perceived distance of an object we instantly and unconsciously infer the objects size

Perceptual InterpretationNature v. NutureImmanuel KantKnowledge comes from our innate ways of organizing sensory experiencesJohn LockeWe learn to perceive the world through our experiences of itExperiences do help: Blind unable to distinguish forms once gaining sight

AdaptabilityHuman perception is remarkably adaptableTurn the world upside down or distort our visions and we are able to adjust fairly quicklyUnless your pulled over for a DUI then your screwed!!!

Assumptions, Expectations, and ContextsThrough experiences we form concepts (schemas) which organize and interpret familiar informationWhy some see UFOs when others see planes, or others see Bigfoot while others see bushes!