Gibson’s Direct Theory

Vocabulary flashcards based on Gibson's Direct Theory, highlighting key concepts and terms related to perception.

Gibson’s Direct Theory

The theory that perception is direct, relying on information in the environment without the need for thinking or past experience.

Bottom-up Processing

A perceptual process that starts with sensory input and has no role for memory, expectations, or learning.

Optic Flow

The pattern of movement we perceive as we move through an environment, providing information about speed and direction.

Motion Parallax

The perception that close objects move faster than distant objects when in motion.

Invariants

Features of the environment that remain constant, contributing to depth perception.

Affordances

Characteristics of objects that indicate how they can be used, such as 'a chair allows us to sit'.

Visual Cliff Study

An experiment by Gibson and Walk to test the innate nature of depth perception in babies.

Strengths of Direct Theory

Supported by research, explains depth perception in babies and animals, and is useful for real-life situations.

Weaknesses of Direct Theory

Ignores cognitive processes, experience, and culture, and does not explain visual illusions.

Depth Perception

The innate ability to perceive the distance of objects, aiding survival by avoiding danger.