Visual Organization and Interpretation

Gestalt Principles

LawDefinition
SimilarityItems that are similar are grouped together.
PragnanzReality is reduced to simplest form.
ProximityObjects that are close together are grouped together.
ContinuityLines are seen as following the smoothest path.
ClosureObjects grouped together are seen as a whole.
Common RegionIf things are together, proximity does not apply.
Figure/Ground

When we perceive something visual we see 1 of 2 categories.

  • The figure is what we are focusing on.
  • The Ground is the backdrop of the image.

Perceptual Constancy

Perceptual Constancy: Everything around us is always changing

Different Forms of Constancy

@@Size Constancy is when we perceive objects as getting closer, not larger.@@

==Brightness constancy is when brightness changes but we perceive the objects being shined on as not actually changing themselves, but we can observe the light is changing.==

@@Shape constancy is when we don’t perceive change, but instead we see angles.@@


Perceptual Adaptation: Ability of the body to adapt by filtering out distractions and grouping stimuli into smooth patterns.

Sensory Restriction: Lack of stimulus perception.

Restored Vision: Someone who at first was blind, but then has their vision restored.

Monocular Cues: Distance, Depth, 3D Space

  • Motion Perception is handled in the retina as light-sensing cells convert light into electric pulses while the rods and cones sense motion.