Psychology - perception revison

Monocular depth cues

Visual signals that enable the perception of three-dimensional distance and depth using input from a single eye.

Linear perspective

A monocular depth cue where lines known to be parallel appear to converge closer together as they recede toward the horizon.

Texture gradient

A depth cue where surface patterns appear sharp, distinct, and widely spaced up close, but become progressively smaller, denser, and less distinct with distance.

Height in the visual plane

A depth cue where objects situated higher in the visual field, closer to the horizon line, are interpreted by the brain as being further away.

Relative size

A monocular cue based on the principle that when two objects are assumed to be similar in actual size, the one casting a smaller retinal image is perceived as farther away.

Figure-ground segregation

A Gestalt perceptual tendency to organize visual input by separating the central focal object from the surrounding background.

Rubin's vase illusion

An ambiguous image demonstrating perceptual instability, where the brain alternates between recognizing two facial silhouettes or a central chalice as the figure versus the background.

Sensation

The biological process of detecting physical stimuli from the environment through sensory receptors and transmitting raw data to the brain.

Perception

The cognitive process of organizing, identifying, and interpreting sensory information to understand the environment.

Distinction between sensation and perception

The intake of raw sensory data via sense organs versus the brain's subsequent interpretation and assignment of meaning to that data.

Binocular depth cues

Visual indicators of three-dimensional depth and distance that depend on the coordinated use of both eyes simultaneously.

Convergence

A binocular depth cue based on the physical muscle tension experienced when both eyes turn inward to focus on objects approaching closer.

Retinal disparity

A binocular depth cue where the brain calculates distance by comparing the slightly differing visual perspectives received by each eye.

Monocular depth cues

Visual signals that provide perception of distance and three-dimensional space using input from a single eye.

Relative size

A monocular depth cue whereby two objects presumed to be identical in actual scale are judged as farther away if they project a smaller retinal image.

Linear perspective

A monocular depth cue in which parallel lines appear to draw closer together as they extend toward a distant horizon.

Height in the visual plane

A monocular depth cue where objects located higher in the visual field near the horizon line are interpreted as being located further away.

Occlusion

A monocular depth cue where an overlapping object partially blocks the view of another, indicating that the blocked object is situated further back.

Rubin's vase illusion

An ambiguous figure demonstrating figure-ground segregation where the visual system alternates between seeing two dark side profiles or a central white goblet.

Kanizsa triangle

A visual illusion demonstrating Gestalt closure and illusory contours, where pac-man shapes and angles create the perception of a non-existent overlapping triangle.

Ponzo illusion

A visual illusion where two identical horizontal bars are perceived as differing in length due to the misleading depth cues provided by converging linear perspective tracks.

Forced perspective illusion

An optical technique manipulating relative size and monocular cues to produce the illusion of direct physical interaction between foreground and background objects.