All Flashcards
What is perception?
The process of interpreting sensory information to understand the world.
What is bottom-up processing?
Processing that starts with raw sensory data from the environment.
What is top-down processing?
Processing that uses prior knowledge and expectations to interpret sensory information.
What are schemas?
Mental frameworks that organize and interpret information based on prior knowledge.
What are perceptual sets?
Mental predispositions that influence perception, causing us to see what we expect.
Define Gestalt principle of Closure.
The tendency to perceive incomplete objects as complete by filling in missing information.
Define Gestalt principle of Figure-Ground.
The tendency to see objects as either the focus (figure) or the background (ground).
Define Gestalt principle of Proximity.
The tendency to see objects close together as part of a group.
Define Gestalt principle of Similarity.
The tendency to group similar objects together.
What is selective attention?
Focusing on specific stimuli while filtering out irrelevant information.
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.
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.