Perceptual Constancies and Depth Perception

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to perceptual constancies, depth perception, and related psychological principles.

Perceptual constancies

The phenomenon where a retinal image can change dramatically but we still perceive the same object.

Shape constancy

The perception that objects maintain the same shape despite changes in orientation or retinal image (e.g., recognizing ovals vs circles).

Size constancy

The perception that an object's size remains constant despite changes in distance (e.g., doors appearing the same size at different distances).

Moon illusion

The optical illusion where the moon appears up to 50% larger when it is near the horizon than when it is high in the sky.

Depth perception

The ability to perceive the distance of objects using visual cues.

Monocular depth cues

Visual cues that require the use of only one eye to perceive depth.

Binocular depth cues

Visual cues that require the use of both eyes to perceive depth.

Relative size

The perception that an object is closer if it appears larger than another object.

Occlusion

The perception that an object is further away if it is blocked by another object.

Atmospheric perspective

The phenomenon where distant objects appear hazy or slightly blurred due to atmospheric particles scattering light.

Linear perspective

A depth cue where parallel lines seem to converge in the distance (e.g., railroad tracks).

Top-down processing

Perception driven by cognition, where we interpret sensory information based on prior knowledge and experiences.

Bottom-up processing

Perception that starts with sensory input, where perceptions are built from sensory information.

Muller-Lyer illusion

An optical illusion in which a red line appears shorter than a blue line due to framing, especially in carpentered societies.

Frame of reference

The orientation of an object defined relative to something else, such as gravity.

Gestalt psychology

A theory that emphasizes the whole is greater than the sum of its parts in perception.

Proximity

A principle where objects that are near each other are perceived as being grouped together.

Similarity

A principle where objects that are alike in some way are perceived as belonging together.