5th Lesson - Perception Theory

Perception Theory and Psychology of Form

Introduction

  • Course taught by Marta Calbi at IED, for the academic year 2025/2026

Sensory-Motor Information

  • Importance of sensory-motor information in perception.

Canonical Neurons

  • Definition: Neurons that encode the purpose of specific motor actions (e.g., grasping, manipulating objects).

  • Activation: Activated by both the execution of motor acts and the observation of the same acts involving objects.

  • Function:

    • Encode object properties relevant for action planning (e.g., size, shape).

    • Assist in recognizing the affordances of objects, enabling action planning.

Affordances

  • Definition: Opportunities for action offered by objects based on their characteristics and the capabilities of the observer.

    • Example: A chair provides the affordance of 'sitting'.

  • Role of Canonical Neurons: Facilitate the recognition of these affordances to adapt actions.

  • Relationship: Canonical neurons collaborate with affordances to enhance perception and response to environmental elements.

Perception-Action Coupling

  • The relationship between the perception of objects and the actions we take in response to them.

Mirror Neurons

  • Definition: Neurons responsive to both the execution of an action and the observation of others performing the same action (origin of the concept cited in Gallese et al. 1996; Rizzolatti et al. 1996).

  • Function: Provide a direct, implicit, unmediated understanding of others' behaviors.

  • Mechanism: Facilitate emotional and sensory engagement with social stimuli,

    • Activate internal representations of bodily states related to observed actions or emotions (Welsh et al., 2003; Wicker et al., 2003; Carr et al., 2003; Ebisch et al., 2008).

    • Linked to the concept of Embodied Simulation (Gallese, 2003; 2014; 2020).

Perspectives in Interaction

  • Third-person Perspective: Observing others' actions.

  • First-person Perspective: Experiencing actions and emotions personally.

Amodal Model of Perception

  • Process: Sequence of perception → understanding/thinking → action.

Sense of Self

  • Definition: Bodily self-consciousness, as defined by Blanke (2012).

    • Components:

    • Body Ownership: Recognition of owning a body, identification with one's own body.

    • Self Location: Awareness of one's position in space.

    • First-person Perspective: The subjective viewpoint through which an individual experiences the world.

Tool Use and Spatial Awareness

  • Definition of Spaces:

    • Personal Space: Space occupied by the body.

    • Peripersonal Space: Space accessible through limb extension (action space).

    • Extrapersonal Space: Space beyond reachable limits, perceived via senses.

  • Impact of Tool Use: Using tools to access extrapersonal space necessitates specific cognitive and sensory integration, described as:

    1. Locating objects of interest in the extrapersonal space.

    2. Maintaining an updated understanding of body state (shape and posture).

  • Body Schema: The ongoing, unconscious integration of proprioceptive signals that inform the brain of the body's state (cited from Head & Holmes, 1911).

  • Bimodal Neurons: Neurons that respond to both somatosensory inputs and visual stimuli from adjacent spatial areas.

Changes in Neural Circuits from Tool Use

  • Incorporating tools into the body schema implies adaptive changes in neural circuits responsible for the mapping of body shape and posture.

  • Concept of Tool Inclusion: Tools become part of the body schema, functioning as extensions of the body (Maravita & Iriki, 2004).

Case Study - Face Masks

  • Purpose of Analysis:

    • Understanding how clothing/accessories shape identity beyond mere coverage.

  • Mask Interaction: Students are encouraged to consider what aspects of identity or expression the mask conceals or modifies, requiring rationale based on personal experience (first vs. third-person point of view).

Emotional Recognition Studies with Masks

  • Impact of Masks on Emotional Recognition:

    • Reference studies by Pavlova & Sokolov (2022) on obscured faces.

    • Studies on the effects of masks on trust, identity, and expression recognition by Marini et al. (2021)

    • Carbon (2020) on confusion in emotion reading while wearing face masks.

  • Visual Data:

    • Emotions displayed (angry, disgusted, fearful, happy, neutral, sad) and the significant impact of devices like sunglasses and masks on identification.

Student Activities

  • Iconographic Research: Focused on masks in various cultural contexts of fashion and art.

  • Reflection on Personal Experiences: Engaging in dialogue around what the mask conceals, incorporating theoretical viewpoints.

Example Application - Aimee Mullins and Alexander McQueen

  • Background: Paralympic athlete Aimee Mullins showcased custom-designed wooden prosthetic legs at McQueen's fashion event (Spring/Summer 1999).

  • Design Elements:

    • Collaboration complexities emphasizing craftsmanship and the artistic vision behind the prosthesis design.

    • Inspiration drawn from Victorian aesthetics and literature, illustrating historical context in design choices (e.g, references to characters in Dickens' works).