AP Psych Unit 2

2.1.2 - Gestalt Psychology and Perception

Introduction to Gestalt Psychology

  • Definition of Gestalt:

    • Gestalt means "an organized whole."

    • It refers to our cognitive tendency to perceive things in their entirety, completely, and fluidly.

    • Gestalt Psychologists emphasize our ability and tendency to integrate pieces into meaningful wholes, rather than viewing them as isolated parts.

Gestalt Principles of Perception

  • General Overview of Gestalt Principles:

    • These principles explain how we organize visual information into coherent forms and structures.

Principle of Closure

  • Definition:

    • The closure principle describes our tendency to perceive incomplete visual images as whole.

    • This means that even when parts of a figure are missing, our brain fills in the gaps to create a complete image.

    • Triangle vs. Pac Man Shape, Person vs. Five Lines and a Circle, Cube vs. Black Circles Cut Out, Spiky Ball vs. Flat triangles and cone shapes.

Principle of Figure-Ground

  • Definition:

    • The figure-ground principle focuses on our perceptual tendency to separate images into a foreground (the figure) and a background.

    • This allows individuals to discern objects from their environment, which aids in understanding spatial relationships.

    • People shapes vs. Chess Pieces

Principle of Proximity

  • Definition:

    • The proximity principle states that we perceive things that are closer together as more related or similar to each other than those further apart.

    • Grouping occurs based on spatial arrangements, which can affect interpretation.

    • Circles closer together vs farther apart, less likely to be grouped when farther apart.

Principle of Similarity

  • Definition:

    • The similarity principle explains that we tend to group similar objects together and treat them as a whole.

    • This principle affects how we identify and categorize visual stimuli based on shared characteristics such as color, shape, or size.

    • Diamond of dots in the middle, triangle of triangles surrounding the diamond. Pink Colors with a row of purple colors.

Depth Perception

  • Overview of Depth Perception:

    • Depth perception allows individuals to perceive the distance of objects and comprehend a three-dimensional world.

  • Depth cues can be categorized into two main types: Monocular Depth Cues and Binocular Depth Cues.

Monocular Depth Cues

  • Definition:

    • Monocular depth cues are signals that only require one eye to determine depth.

Monocular Depth Cue: Relative Clarity

  • Explanation:

    • We perceive images that are clear and detailed as closer and those that are blurry and less defined as further away.

Monocular Depth Cue: Texture Gradient

  • Explanation:

    • The texture of an object appears finer (less detailed) the further it is from the observer.

Monocular Depth Cue: Relative Size

  • Explanation:

    • If two objects are assumed to be similar in size, the one that casts a smaller retinal image is perceived as further away.

    • If an object seems smaller than usual, we understand it to be further away (it is not physically smaller).

    • Little Book Big Book, Friend Size

Monocular Depth Cue: Linear Perspective

  • Explanation:

    • Two parallel lines appear to converge as they recede into the distance; we interpret this as indicating distance rather than actual convergence.

    • Nothing in North Dakota

Monocular Depth Cue: Interposition

  • Explanation:

    • When an object is obstructed by another, we perceive the obstructed object as being further away.

    • I block Oliver while sitting in class, because I am closer to the teacher.

Binocular Depth Cues

  • Definition:

    • Binocular depth cues require both eyes and involve the input from each eye to determine depth.

Binocular Depth Cue: Convergence

  • Explanation:

    • As objects get closer to our face, our eyes physically move inward (converge). The brain uses this movement to assess distance.

Binocular Depth Cue: Retinal Disparity

  • Explanation:

    • Our brain computes the difference between the images projected on each retina. This disparity helps us assess distance.

    • If only one eye is used, retinal disparity cannot be utilized, which may reduce depth perception.

    • Comparison, Fieldhouse wall vs. marker right next to one eye.

Binocular Depth Cue: Relative Motion

  • Explanation:

    • When two stationary objects are viewed, if one appears to move past more quickly than the other, it is perceived as being closer to the observer.

    • Looking straight down at the ground when we’re driving seeing the pavement move super fast.

Binocular Depth Cue: Relative Motion - Phi Phenomenon

  • Explanation:

    • The phi phenomenon illustrates how a series of stationary images can create the illusion of movement when presented in quick succession.

    • Dots flicking on and off blue and white looks like motion.

Perceptual Constancy

  • Definition:

    • Perceptual constancy refers to the ability of the brain to maintain stable perception of an object despite changes in sensory input.

    • The brain operates with a set of perceptions that remain constant even when the original sensory information changes.

    • Get used to things, similar to plasticity

  • Example of Disruption:

    • Disruptions such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or unusual visual experiences can be adapted to, becoming the new perceptual norm over time, as seen in cases like the visual perception olympics.

    • Brain will adjust to the disruptions. Relearning when goggles are taken off.