perception
Unit Two: Perception
Key Concepts
Candidates should be able to:
• describe the difference between sensation and perception using shape constancy, colour constancy and visual illusions;
• explain depth cues, including linear perspective, height in plane, relative size, superimposition and texture gradient.
Core theory: constructivist theory
Candidates should be able to:
• outline the role of experience in perception;
• explain the concept of top-down processing;
• explain the concept of perceptual set;
• explain the criticisms of the constructivist theory of perception;
• consider the nativist theory as an alternative theory, with specific reference to bottom-up processing in perception.
Core study: Haber and Levin (2001)
Candidates should be able to:
• describe Haber and Levin’s experiment into depth perception and familiarity of objects;
• outline limitations of Haber and Levin’s study.
Application of research into perception: advertising
Candidates should be able to:
• explain how psychological research relates to advertising, eg use of context in perceptual set, use of motivation in perceptual set, subliminal advertising and levels of perception.
Key terms
The Visual System
Light energy is changed into electrical impulses, which travel to the brain where they are interpreted. Light enters the eye, passes through the cornea, the pupil and then lens – it then strikes the retina.
PERCEPTUAL ABILITES
Visual constancies
Moving around the world the information we see is constantly changing. Our brain makes adjustments to this information, which makes our experience the world more constant.
.
Shape constancy- when you see someone drink from mug the shape you see changes but your brain maintains the understanding that the mug is the same shape. Colour constancy- The redness of a tomato seems the same whether we see it in bright sunshine or deep shade. We judge colour by comparing an object with the
Key Concepts
Candidates should be able to:
• describe the difference between sensation and perception using shape constancy, colour constancy and visual illusions;
• explain depth cues, including linear perspective, height in plane, relative size, superimposition and texture gradient.
Core theory: constructivist theory
Candidates should be able to:
• outline the role of experience in perception;
• explain the concept of top-down processing;
• explain the concept of perceptual set;
• explain the criticisms of the constructivist theory of perception;
• consider the nativist theory as an alternative theory, with specific reference to bottom-up processing in perception.
Core study: Haber and Levin (2001)
Candidates should be able to:
• describe Haber and Levin’s experiment into depth perception and familiarity of objects;
• outline limitations of Haber and Levin’s study.
Application of research into perception: advertising
Candidates should be able to:
• explain how psychological research relates to advertising, eg use of context in perceptual set, use of motivation in perceptual set, subliminal advertising and levels of perception.
Key terms
The Visual System
Light energy is changed into electrical impulses, which travel to the brain where they are interpreted. Light enters the eye, passes through the cornea, the pupil and then lens – it then strikes the retina.
PERCEPTUAL ABILITES
Visual constancies
Moving around the world the information we see is constantly changing. Our brain makes adjustments to this information, which makes our experience the world more constant.
.
Shape constancy- when you see someone drink from mug the shape you see changes but your brain maintains the understanding that the mug is the same shape. Colour constancy- The redness of a tomato seems the same whether we see it in bright sunshine or deep shade. We judge colour by comparing an object with the