Group 3: Feature Integration & Perceptual Constancies

Feature Integration Theory

Explains how features are combined to perceive objects

Preattention

Automatic detection of distinguishing features

Focused attention

Combining features into coherent perception when objects don’t stand out immediately

Perceptual constancies

Ability to see familiar objects as unchanging despite changes in lighting, angles, or distance

Size constancy

Perceiving an object as the same size regardless of distance

Shape constancy

Perceiving an object as the same shape despite viewing angle

Hue constancy

Perceiving an object as the same color despite changes in lighting

Optical illusions

Incorrect visual interpretations of the physical world

Ames Room

Illusion where room shape is misperceived due to visual cues

Ponzo illusion

Illusion where linear perspective alters perceived size/distance

Müller-Lyer illusion

Illusion where converging lines affect perceived length