All Flashcards
Compare bottom-up and top-down processing.
Bottom-up starts with sensory data; top-down uses prior knowledge. Bottom-up is detail-oriented; top-down focuses on the bigger picture.
Compare schemas and perceptual sets.
Schemas are mental frameworks that organize information; perceptual sets are predispositions that influence what we perceive. Schemas are broader; perceptual sets are more specific.
Compare proximity and similarity (Gestalt principles).
Proximity groups objects close together; similarity groups similar objects. Proximity is based on spatial arrangement; similarity is based on appearance.
Compare selective attention and inattention.
Selective attention focuses on specific stimuli; inattention fails to notice stimuli. Selective attention prioritizes information; inattention can lead to perceptual blindness.
Compare how personal and cultural experiences influence perception.
Personal experiences shape individual perceptions based on upbringing; cultural experiences shape perceptions based on societal norms. Both influence interpretations of the world.
Compare the effects of internal and external factors on attention.
Internal factors (goals, interests) drive attention from within; external factors (salience, novelty) capture attention from the environment. Both influence what we focus on.
Compare how context and schemas affect perception.
Context provides the immediate setting for interpretation; schemas provide pre-existing frameworks. Both shape how we understand and react to stimuli.
Compare the roles of sensory receptors in bottom-up and top-down processing.
In bottom-up, sensory receptors initiate the process; in top-down, they provide raw data that is then interpreted using prior knowledge.
Compare the impact of schemas on accurate vs. biased perception.
Schemas help efficiently process information but can also lead to biased interpretations if applied rigidly or inappropriately.
Compare how Gestalt principles of closure and figure-ground organize visual information.
Closure involves filling in missing information to perceive complete objects; figure-ground involves distinguishing objects from their background. Both contribute to visual organization.
Explain bottom-up processing.
Starts with sensory receptors detecting stimuli and sending signals to the brain, focusing on details.
Explain top-down processing.
Uses prior knowledge, schemas, and context to interpret sensory information, focusing on the bigger picture.
What is the impact of schemas on perception?
Schemas help simplify complex information but can lead to biases if applied too rigidly.
How do perceptual sets influence perception?
They cause us to see what we expect or want to see, leading to selective attention and misinterpretations.
How does context affect perception?
The physical or social setting can shape how we perceive things; the same behavior can be interpreted differently.
How do personal experiences affect perception?
Upbringing, education, and past events influence how we perceive the world around us.
How do cultural experiences affect perception?
Cultural norms, values, and beliefs affect perception, leading to different interpretations across cultures.
What does Gestalt psychology emphasize?
It emphasizes that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, focusing on how the brain organizes visual information.
What is the role of attention in perception?
Attention helps us selectively focus on specific aspects of the environment, prioritizing and processing important information.
What is the cocktail party effect?
An example of selective attention where you can attend to your name even in a noisy environment.
How is bottom-up processing used in learning to read?
Starting with individual letters, then words, then sentences to understand the text.
How is top-down processing used when proofreading?
Using your knowledge of grammar and sentence structure to identify errors, even if you read quickly.
How do schemas affect eyewitness testimony?
Schemas can cause witnesses to misremember details or add details that fit their expectations.
How can perceptual sets influence medical diagnoses?
Doctors might interpret symptoms based on their expectations or prior experiences with similar cases, potentially leading to biases.
How is the principle of proximity used in website design?
Grouping related items together to make the website easier to navigate and understand.
How is the principle of similarity used in advertising?
Using similar colors or shapes to create a sense of unity and brand recognition.
How does selective attention apply to driving?
Focusing on the road and other vehicles while filtering out distractions like music or conversations.
How can understanding cultural differences in perception improve communication?
Being aware of different norms regarding personal space and eye contact can prevent misunderstandings.
How is the figure-ground principle used in art?
Artists manipulate the figure-ground relationship to create interesting visual effects and illusions.
How can closure be used in logo design?
Creating logos with missing parts that the viewer's brain fills in, making the logo more memorable.