AP PSYCH PoweRS PERCEPTIon

Perception

The process of organizing and interpreting sensory information to give it meaning.

Bottom-up processing

Processing that begins with sensory input and builds toward a complete perception.

Top-down processing

Processing that uses prior knowledge, expectations, and experiences to interpret sensory information.

Schema

A mental framework or concept that organizes and interprets information.

Perceptual set

A mental predisposition to perceive something in a particular way based on expectations, experiences, or beliefs.

Attention

The process of selectively concentrating on specific information while filtering out other stimuli.

Cocktail party effect

The ability to focus on one conversation while filtering out other background conversations, yet notice personally relevant information, such as hearing your name.

Change blindness

The failure to notice changes in one's environment because attention is focused elsewhere.

Closure

The Gestalt principle of perceiving incomplete figures as complete by mentally filling in missing information.

Figure and ground

The Gestalt principle of organizing visual information into a main object (figure) and its surrounding background (ground).

Proximity

The Gestalt principle that objects located close together are perceived as belonging to the same group.

Similarity

The Gestalt principle that objects sharing similar characteristics are perceived as belonging to the same group.

Retinal disparity

The binocular depth cue in which the brain compares the slightly different images received by each eye to perceive depth.

Convergence

The binocular depth cue in which the eyes turn inward toward each other when focusing on nearby objects.

Relative clarity

The monocular depth cue in which clearer objects are perceived as closer, while hazier objects are perceived as farther away.

Relative size

The monocular depth cue in which smaller-looking objects are perceived as farther away than larger-looking objects of similar size.

Texture gradient

The monocular depth cue in which objects with more detailed, distinct textures appear closer, while objects with finer, less distinct textures appear farther away.

Linear perspective

The monocular depth cue in which parallel lines appear to converge as they extend into the distance.

Interposition

The monocular depth cue in which an object that partially blocks another object is perceived as closer.

Perceptual constancy

The tendency to perceive objects as remaining the same size, shape, and color despite changes in viewing conditions.

Apparent movement

The perception of movement when stationary images or objects are presented in rapid succession, creating the illusion of motion.

Concept

A mental grouping of similar objects, events, ideas, or people.

Prototype

A mental image or best example of a category that serves as a reference point when classifying new information.

Assimilation

Interpreting new information by incorporating it into an existing schema.

Accommodation

Modifying an existing schema or creating a new one to incorporate new information.

Algorithm

A step-by-step problem-solving procedure that guarantees a solution if followed correctly.

Heuristic

A simple mental shortcut or rule of thumb used to make judgments and decisions quickly.

Representativeness heuristic

Estimating the likelihood of something based on how closely it matches a prototype or typical example.

Availability heuristic

Estimating the likelihood of something based on how easily examples come to mind.

Mental set

The tendency to approach a problem using a strategy that has worked in the past, even when a better approach exists.

Priming

The activation of particular associations in memory, influencing subsequent thoughts, perceptions, or behaviors.

Framing

The way information is presented, which can influence decisions and judgments.

Gambler's fallacy

The mistaken belief that past independent random events influence the likelihood of future random events.

Sunk-cost fallacy

The tendency to continue an activity or investment because of previously invested time, money, or effort, even when continuing is not beneficial.

Executive functions

Higher-level cognitive processes that control and regulate thinking and behavior, including planning, decision-making, impulse control, and working memory.

Divergent thinking

Generating multiple possible solutions or ideas to a problem; associated with creativity.

Convergent thinking

Narrowing down multiple possibilities to find one correct or best solution.

Functional fixedness

The tendency to view objects as having only their typical functions, making it difficult to use them in new or creative ways.