Cognition - Chapter 3

What is the definition of “sensation”?

the translation of physical energy from the environment into neural signals

What is the definition of “perception”?

the processing and interpretation of sensory information

According to the course materials, which process acts as the “gateway to all other cognition”?

sensation

How does “sensation” differ from “perception” in terms of processing?

sensation involves taking in physical energy,, while perception involves interpreting that energy

In the context of visual perception, what does “filling in” refer to?

the brain’s ability to provide missing information to complete a perceived image

What term describes the phenomenon where an object further away appears smaller on the retina than a closer object, yet is perceived as having a consistent size?

size constancy

The _____ image of an object further away looks smaller than the image of the same object at a closer distance.

retinal

What is the 'inverse projection problem' in visual perception?

the task of determining the specific object that created a particular image on the retina

Why is the inverse projection problem complex for the human eye?

multiple different objects can create the exact same image on the retina

The _____ is difficult to solve because a two-dimensional retinal image can be produced by an infinite number of three-dimensional objects.

inverse projection problem

What is “viewpoint invariance”?

the ability to recognize an object regardless of the angle or perspective from which it is viewed

Which perceptual concept is illustrated by the ability to identify a coffee cup whether it is seen from the top, side, or bottom?

viewpoint invariance

How does perception involved “recognition” or “identification”?

it allows the brain to categorize and name the objects or stimuli being sensed