An organized whole; our tendency to integrate pieces of information into meaningful wholes.
Define figure-ground.
The organization of visual field into objects (figures) that stand out from their surroundings (ground).
Define depth perception.
The ability to see objects in three dimensions although the images that strike the retina are two-dimensional; allows us to judge distance.
Define monocular cues.
Depth cues, such as interposition and linear perspective, available to either eye alone.
Define binocular cues.
Depth cues, such as retinal disparity, that depend on the use of two eyes.
Define retinal disparity.
A binocular cue for perceiving depth. By comparing images from the retinas in the two eyes, the brain computes distanceโthe greater the disparity (difference) between the two images, the closer the object.
Define stroboscopic movement.
The brain's perception of continuous movement in a rapid series of slightly varying images.
Define Phi phenomenon.
An illusion of movement created when two or more adjacent lights blink on and off in quick succession.
Define perceptual constancy.
Perceiving objects as unchanging (having consistent shapes, size, lightness, and color) even as illumination and retinal images change.
Define perceptual adaptation.
In vision, the ability to adjust to an artificially displaced or even inverted visual field.
How do artists use linear perspective?
To create a sense of depth in paintings by making parallel lines converge.
How is the Phi phenomenon used in advertising?
To create the illusion of movement with blinking lights to attract attention.
Give an example of perceptual adaptation.
Getting used to wearing new glasses that initially distort your vision.
How do magicians use Gestalt principles?
To manipulate our perception by creating illusions that exploit how we group and organize visual information.
How does retinal disparity help us in everyday life?
It allows us to accurately judge distances, like when reaching for a cup or catching a ball.
How does brightness constancy help us?
It allows us to identify objects regardless of lighting conditions.
Compare monocular and binocular cues.
Monocular cues require only one eye and include relative size, height, interposition, linear perspective, light and shadow, motion parallax. Binocular cues require both eyes and include retinal disparity and convergence.
Compare perceptual constancy and perceptual adaptation.
Perceptual constancy is seeing objects as stable despite changes; perceptual adaptation is adjusting to new sensory input.
Compare sensation and perception.
Sensation is the bottom-up process of detecting stimuli. Perception is the top-down process of interpreting stimuli.