Module_2.1b

Gestalt

An organized whole; a concept in psychology emphasizing our tendency to integrate pieces of information into meaningful wholes.

Figure-ground

The organization of the visual field into objects (the figures) that stand out from their surroundings (the ground).

Grouping

The perceptual tendency to organize stimuli into coherent groups.

Depth perception

The ability to see objects in three dimensions, allowing us to judge distance.

Binocular cues

Depth cues, such as retinal disparity, that depend on the use of both eyes.

Monocular cue

A depth cue, such as interposition or linear perspective, available to either eye alone.

Retinal disparity

A binocular cue for perceiving depth; the greater the disparity between two images from the two eyes, the closer the object.

Convergence

A cue to a nearby object’s distance, enabled by the inward angle of the eyes.

Perceptual constancy

Perceiving objects as unchanging (having consistent color, brightness, shape, and size) even as illumination and retinal images change.

Color constancy

Perceiving familiar objects as having consistent color, even if changing illumination alters the wavelengths reflected by the object.

Brightness constancy

The perception of an object as having a constant brightness even as its illumination varies.

Shape constancy

Perceiving the form of familiar objects as constant even while our retinas receive changing images of them.

Size constancy

Perceiving an object as having an unchanging size, even while our distance from it varies.

Stroboscopic movement

An illusion of continuous movement experienced when viewing a rapid series of slightly varying still images.

Phi phenomenon

An illusion of movement created when two or more adjacent lights blink on and off in succession.

Autokinetic effect

The illusory movement of a still spot of light in a dark room.

Perceptual adaptation

The ability to adjust to changed sensory input, including an artificially displaced or inverted visual field.