AP Psych - Module 23: Perception

Gestalt

An organized whole; a concept in psychology that emphasizes our tendency to integrate pieces of information into meaningful wholes.

Figure-ground

The organization of the visual field into objects (figures) that stand out from their surroundings (ground).

Proximity

A rule of grouping which states that nearby figures are grouped together.

Closure

The tendency to fill in gaps to create a complete, whole object.

Depth Perception

The ability to see objects in three dimensions, allowing us to judge distance.

Binocular Cues

Depth cues that depend on the use of two eyes, such as retinal disparity and convergence.

Retinal Disparity

A binocular cue for perceiving depth based on comparing images from two eyes; greater disparity means closer object.

Interposition

A monocular cue where if one object partially blocks the view of another, it is perceived as closer.

Color Constancy

Perceiving familiar objects as having a consistent color, regardless of changing illumination.

Shape Constancy

The form of familiar objects remains constant even while the images on the retina change.

Moon Illusion

The phenomenon where the moon appears larger near the horizon than when high in the sky.

Critical Period

An optimal period during childhood when exposure to certain stimuli or experiences is necessary for proper development.

Perceptual Adaptation

The ability to adjust to changed sensory input, including an artificially displaced or inverted visual field.

Stroboscopic Movement

Perceiving a rapid series of slightly varying images as a continuous movement.

Phi Phenomenon

An illusion of movement created when two or more adjacent lights blink on and off in quick succession.