PSYC2390_5.2

Ambiguous stimulus

A stimulus that can be interpreted in multiple ways, leading to differing perceptions.

Inverse projection problem

The challenge of determining the original object from its 2-D image on the retina, as multiple stimuli can produce the same image.

Viewpoint invariance

The ability to recognize an object regardless of the angle from which it is viewed.

Structuralism

A theory that views perception as the sum of all sensations, suggesting that the whole is different from the sum of its parts.

Apparent movement

The perception of motion when nothing is actually moving.

Illusory contours

Perceived edges or contours that are not actually present in the stimulus.

Perceptual organization

The process through which the brain organizes sensory input into recognizable patterns or objects.

Grouping principles

Rules that describe how we perceive objects as unified wholes, such as proximity and similarity.

Good continuation

A Gestalt principle where points that are connected by straight or smoothly curving lines are seen as belonging together.

Pragnanz

Simplicity; the principle that we perceive the simplest structure possible.

Similarity

The principle stating that similar features are grouped together as part of the same object.

Proximity

The principle that things that are near each other appear to be grouped together.

Common fate

The principle where elements that move together are perceived as part of the same object.

Figure-ground segregation

The process of identifying an object (figure) from its background (ground).

Border ownership

The concept that borders of objects are generally perceived as belonging to the figure rather than the background.

Convexity

The principle stating that regions with outward-bulging borders are more likely to be perceived as figures.

Meaningfulness

The principle where recognizable objects are more likely to be perceived as figures.

Depth perception

The ability to perceive the distance of objects and interpret one object as being in front of another.

Surroundedness

A principle where a completely surrounded region is perceived as the figure.

Heuristic

A mental shortcut or rule of thumb that simplifies decision making or problem solving.

Recognition by components (RBC) theory

A theory suggesting that visual objects are recognized by identifying their volumetric features (geons) and their spatial relationships.

Geons

The basic volumetric features used in recognition by components theory.

Object recognition

The ability to identify an object based on its properties and features.

Occlusion

A situation where one object partially covers another, affecting visibility and perception.

Perception heuristics

Strategies employed by the visual system to make efficient decisions in perception, though not always accurate.

Visual field

The entire area that can be seen at any given moment.

Stimulus ambiguity

Occurs when the sensory input does not provide a clear and consistent signal about the object's identity.

Perceptual cues

Visual elements that aid in object detection and recognition.

Occlusion effects

Visual effects that result from one object blocking another, impacting perception.

Scene perception

The process of interpreting visual elements and spatial relationships within a given scene.

Pragmatic inference

Using context and knowledge to make guesses about the properties of objects.

Visual discrimination

The ability to distinguish differences between two or more visual stimuli.

Global superiority effect

The phenomenon where the whole figure takes precedence over its parts in perception.

Top-down processing

Perception driven by cognition; using past experiences and knowledge to interpret sensory information.

Bottom-up processing

Perception that starts with the stimulus and builds up to the final perception.

Context effects

How the surrounding environment influences perception of an object.

Multi-stable perceptions

The phenomenon where an object can be perceived in multiple ways at the same time.

Sensation vs. perception

Sensation refers to the raw data collected by the senses, while perception is the interpretation of that sensory information.

Visual masking

A technique used to disrupt perception by presenting additional visual stimuli.

Perceptual constancy

The perception of an object as constant despite changes in sensory input.

Sensory adaptation

The diminished sensitivity to a stimulus after prolonged exposure.

Visual agnosia

A condition where a person is unable to recognize objects despite intact vision.

Depth cues

Visual indicators that provide information about the spatial relationships between objects.