Perception_-_PSych_PPT

Perception

The process of interpreting sensory information to understand the environment.

Just Noticeable Difference (JND)

The smallest amount of change needed in a stimulus before we notice a difference.

Weber's Law

A principle stating the JND is a function of the magnitude of the original stimulus, requiring larger changes to notice differences at greater intensities.

Signal Detection Theory

A theory that explores how the intensity of a stimulus and the individual's state affect the detection of that stimulus.

Top-Down Processing

A cognitive process that uses existing knowledge and expectations to interpret new sensory information.

Bottom-Up Processing

A psychological strategy that processes sensory information from the ground up, independent of prior knowledge.

Figure-Ground Relationship

The perceptual principle that allows individuals to distinguish between the focal object (figure) and its background (ground).

Gestalt Rules

Principles that explain how our brains organize sensory information into meaningful wholes based on proximity, similarity, continuity, and closure.

Constancy

The perceptual tendency to see familiar objects as having stable size, shape, and color despite changes in sensory input.

Depth Cues

Visual signals that inform the brain about the distance of objects, helping to perceive depth in three dimensions.

Monocular Cues

Cues for depth perception that can be perceived with one eye, such as linear perspective and interposition.

Binocular Cues

Depth cues that require both eyes, such as retinal disparity and convergence.

Extrasensory Perception (ESP)

The claimed ability to perceive information beyond normal sensory channels, including telepathy and clairvoyance.