Gregory’s Constructivist Theory

These flashcards cover key concepts of Gregory's Constructivist Theory as outlined in the lecture notes.

Constructivist Theory

A theory that argues perception is an active process where the brain interprets sensory input using prior knowledge and experience.

Top-Down Processing

The process where perception is guided by higher-level cognitive processes, relying on stored knowledge and past experiences.

Schemas

Mental frameworks that organize and interpret information, built from experience and guiding understanding of sensory input.

Inferences

Conclusions drawn from sensory information combined with prior knowledge, showing that perception involves interpretation.

Perceptual Hypotheses

Educated guesses about what we are perceiving that help the brain generate possible interpretations.

Perceptual Set

A tendency to perceive information in a certain way, influenced by schemas and expectations.

Cultural Influence

Different cultural experiences and environments that lead to varying perceptions among individuals.

Motivation and Emotion

Factors that affect perception, influencing what individuals notice and focus on.

Expectation

The likelihood of perceiving what one expects to see, shaped by past experience.

Haber and Levin Study

An experiment investigating the role of experience in perception, particularly in size and distance perception.

Strengths of Gregory's Theory

Emphasizes experience and learning, supported by research, explains individual differences in perception.

Weaknesses of Gregory's Theory

Underestimates innate factors, cannot fully explain perception in infants or animals, suggests perception is slow and complex.

Application of Gregory's Theory

Can be applied to real-life situations to understand how different experiences and expectations shape perception.