Psychology Exam 1 - Visual Sensation and Perception

Sensation

Detection of stimuli

Transduction

Process of converting energy from environment into neurological response, occurs at receptor neurons

What is the transductor for the eye?

Retina

Retina

Converts light energy to neurological impulses, back of the eye

Perception

Organizes, interprets sensations, occurs in brain (what we THINK something is)

Gestalt “Whole” Psychologists

sights and sounds are perceived as organized wholes, proposed principles

Figure Ground

We see things within boundaries as objects and naturally distinguish objects from backgrounds

Law of Proximity

Elements that occur close together are perceived as a group

Law of Similarity

Things that look similar to one another are perceived as part of a group/pattern

Law of Continuity

The eye is drawn to continuous lines and shapes

Law of Closure

We perceive a whole even if it is incomplete or not completely enclosed

Cues for 3D Vision

relative size, height in visual field, interposition, linear perspective, reduced clarity, light and shadow

Assimilation

Visual systems incorporate nearby elements into an object’s boundaries when assessing its size

Can growing up in a specific culture make a difference with optical illusions?

Yes, hunter-gatherers were known to not fall for them as much (less angular buildings)