AP Psych Vocab 4-4

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 although the images that strike the retina are two-dimensional

Visual cliff

a laboratory device for testing depth perception in infants and young animals

Binocular cues

a depth cue that depends on the use of two eyes

Retinal disparity

the left and right visual fields producing different images when focusing in a single object

Monocular cues

a depth cue available to either eye alone

Phi phenomenon

an illusion of movement created when two or more adjacent lights blink on and off in quick sensation

Perceptual constancy

perceiving objects as unchanging even as illumination and retinal images change

Color constancy

perceiving familiar objects as having consistent colors

Shape constancy

The perceived shape of an object is unaffected by changes in its retinal image

Size constancy

The perceived size of an object remains constant despite changes in its retinal image

Stroboscopic movement

Illusion of movement in which an object is shown in a rapidly changing series of positions

Stereoscopic vision

Perception of space and depth because the eyes receive different images

Pictorial depth cues

Monocular depth cues found in paintings, drawings, and photographs that impart information about space, depth, and distance

Cocktail Party Effect

the ability to focus one's listening attention on a single talker among other noises while ignoring other conversations

Gestalt Principles

describes how people organize visual elements

Law of Similarity

a Gestalt principle of organization stating our tendency to group items together when they appear to be the same

Law of continuity

a Gestalt principle of organization stating the tendency to assume that apparent movement will continue in the way that it started

Law of Closure

a Gestalt principle of organization stating the tendency to close gaps and perceive images as a whole, not a collection of parts

Law of Proximity

a Gestalt principle of organization stating the tendency to group together items that are near one another