3a part 2 term list

Binocular Cues

Cues that we use with both eyes that allow us to tell depth perception.

Retinal Disparity

This cue comes from the slight difference between the images seen by each eye. The greater the disparity, the closer the object appears to be to the viewer.

Convergence

Convergence refers to the inward turning of the eyes when focusing on a nearby object. The amount of eye strain gives the brain a cue about distance.

Monocular Cues

Cues for depth and distance that can be perceived with just 1 eye.

Relative Size

Objects that appear smaller are perceived as farther away if we assume they are similar in size. This cue allows depth perception with just one eye.

Interposition

When one object overlaps another, the blocked object is seen as farther away. It provides a sense of layering and distance in a scene.

Relative Clarity

Clearer, sharper objects are seen as closer, while hazier ones seem farther away. The atmosphere causes distant objects to appear less distinct.

Texture Gradient

Textures become finer and less detailed as they recede into the distance. This cue helps us judge depth on surfaces like grass or sand.

Relative Height

Objects higher in our visual field tend to be perceived as farther away. Those lower appear closer to the observer.

Relative Motion (Motion Parallax)

As we move, nearby objects appear to move quickly in the opposite direction, while distant ones move slowly. This motion difference gives us depth cues.

Linear Perspective

Parallel lines seem to converge in the distance, such as railroad tracks meeting at the horizon. This powerful cue gives a strong sense of depth.

Light and Shadow

Patterns of light and shadow create depth by showing the shape and position of objects. The brain interprets light as coming from above, influencing how we see surfaces.

Real Motion

Real motion involves the actual movement of an object through space. The retina and brain detect this through changing positions over time.

Apparent Motion

Apparent motion is the perception of movement when none actually occurs. This happens when still images are shown rapidly in sequence, like in animation.

Stroboscopic Movement

This illusion occurs when a rapid series of slightly different images appears as continuous motion. Movies and flipbooks rely on this effect.

Phi Phenomenon

The phi phenomenon is when adjacent lights blink on and off in succession, making it look like a single light is moving. It's often used in neon signs or LED displays.

Autokinetic Effect

When a small light in a dark room appears to move, even though it's stationary, this is the autokinetic effect. It occurs because our eyes make tiny movements that the brain misinterprets as motion.

Perceptual Constancy

Perceiving objects as unchanging and having consistent things like light, color, shape, and size.

Size Constancy

We perceive objects as having a constant size even when their distance changes. For example, a person walking away doesn't appear to shrink.

Shape Constancy

We recognize an object's shape as the same even when viewed from different angles. A door, for example, is still perceived as rectangular whether open or closed.

Brightness Constancy

We perceive an object as having a constant brightness even under changing lighting conditions. This allows us to identify colors accurately in shadows or sunlight.

Müller-Lyer Illusion

The Müller-Lyer illusion involves lines with arrow-like ends that make one line appear longer than the other, even when they're the same length.

Perceptual Interpretation

Ability to adjust things to changing sensory input.

Critical Period

Time during childhood development where experience should activate innate things in your brain.

Experience & Visual Perception

Experience shapes how we perceive and interpret sensory input.

Restored Vision & Sensory Restriction

When vision is restored after blindness, people initially have difficulty recognizing forms and depth.

Perceptual Adaptation

Perceptual adaptation is the ability to adjust to an artificially displaced or inverted visual field.

George Stratton

Psychologist George Stratton conducted experiments wearing glasses that flipped his visual field upside down.

Human Factors Psychology

This branch studies how people interact with machines, technology, and environments to improve safety and efficiency.