MCAT Psychology: Sensory Perception & Adaptation Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering binocular and monocular depth cues, sensory adaptation mechanisms, and types of constancy based on MCAT Psychology and Behavioral Sciences concepts.

Retinal Disparity

A binocular depth cue where the brain compares the slightly different images received by each eye, which are separated by approximately $2.5\,\text{inches}$, to compute depth and distance.

Convergence

A binocular, neuromuscular depth cue where the brain interprets the contraction of eye muscles as objects move closer and the relaxations as they move farther away.

Interposition (Overlap)

A monocular depth cue where an object that partially obscures or blocks the view of another is perceived as being closer.

Relative Size

A monocular cue where, if two objects are assumed to be similar in size, the one casting a smaller image on the retina is perceived as being farther away.

Motion Parallax

A monocular depth cue observed when in motion, where nearby objects appear to move rapidly in the opposite direction while distant objects appear to move much more slowly.

Relative Height

A monocular cue where objects positioned higher in the visual field are perceived as being farther away.

Shading

A monocular cue where light and shadow provide depth contour information to the observer.

Light Adaptation

A form of sensory downregulation where pupils constrict and photoreceptors (rods and cones) desensitize to prevent overstimulation in bright light.

Dark Adaptation

A form of sensory upregulation where pupils dilate and rods/cones synthesize visual pigments to increase light sensitivity in darkness.

Auditory Adaptation (Acoustic Reflex)

A protective mechanism where the stapedius and tensor tympani muscles in the inner ear contract in response to loud sounds to dampen the vibration of the ossicles.

Olfactory & Somatosensory Adaptation

The process by which constant chemical odors or constant mechanical pressures lead to receptor desensitization over time.

Proprioceptive Adaptation

The body's ability to adjust its positional map to altered conditions, such as inverted visual fields, and readjust once normal conditions return.

Shape Constancy

The cognitive perception that an object maintains its geometric shape regardless of changes in the angle of the image projected onto the retina.

Size & Color Constancy

The perception that objects have a constant size and color despite changes in viewing distance or lighting conditions.

Sensory Adaptation

A physiological reduction in receptor sensitivity following sustained exposure to a constant stimulus.

Downregulation

A mechanism that reduces sensitivity or response amplitude, such as pupil constriction in bright light.

Upregulation

A mechanism that increases sensitivity or response amplitude, such as the synthesis of visual pigments in the dark.

Proprioception

The sensory system responsible for sensing body position, spatial orientation, and limb movement.