Understanding Object Perception and Gestalt Psychology

Object Perception Challenge

Ambiguity in stimuli complicates recognition for humans and machines.

Gestalt Psychology

Focuses on how whole forms are perceived differently than parts.

Laws of Perceptual Organization

Principles guiding how we group visual elements.

Figure-Ground Segregation

Distinguishing figure from background in visual scenes.

Properties of Figure

More 'thinglike' and appears in front of background.

Properties of Ground

More uniform and extends behind the figure.

Recognition by Components Theory

Objects recognized by arrangement of geometric shapes, geons.

Viewpoint Invariance

Ability to recognize objects from different angles.

Past Experiences in Perception

Previous knowledge influences how we interpret stimuli.

Brain Response to Faces

Specific brain areas activated when viewing faces.

Fusiform Face Area (FFA)

Brain region specialized for face recognition.

Prosopagnosia

Inability to recognize faces despite normal vision.

Infant Face Recognition

Development of face perception in early childhood.

Ambiguous Stimuli

Visual input that can be interpreted in multiple ways.

Illusory Contours

Perceived edges without a physical boundary present.

Continuity Principle

Perception favors smooth, continuous patterns.

Pragnanz Principle

Perception prefers simplest, most stable interpretations.

Common Fate Principle

Elements moving together are perceived as a group.

Semantic Regularities

Characteristics commonly associated with specific scenes.

Scene Schema

Knowledge of typical elements found in a scene.

Light-from-Above Heuristic

Assumption that light comes from above in nature.

Binocular Rivalry

Conflicting images presented to each eye.

Expertise Hypothesis

Proficiency in face recognition due to exposure.

Predictive Coding

Brain's method of predicting sensory input.

Lateral Occipital Complex (LOC)

Brain area active during object perception.

Parahippocampal Place Area (PPA)

Responds to spatial layout and places.