TOPIC: PERCEPTION

 NOTE: “Dual Processing” = Principle that info. proc. (including perceptions, memory, etc)
occurs on “two tracks”  conscious & unconscious
 The “Two-track” Mind:
 Sequential processing (conscious; verbal, & “explicit”) = processing consciously in
(working) memory using conscious attention; needed for solving new problems, which
require focused attention
 Parallel processing (unconscious; non-verbal, & “implicit”) = processing many aspects
of a problem simultaneously; brain’s natural mode of info. proc. for many functions;
enables “routine business”

I. Sensation vs. Perception

 Seem like one/same process, but not.

 SENSATION actual senses that are being signal

-

 process by which stimulus energies fr/ env. are registered by sense organs

 PERCEPTION how -
brain interprets the stimuli
our

 process of selecting, org., & interpreting sensory info, enabling us to recognize

meaningful objects/events

II. Perceptual Organization

 How do we org. & interpret sensations so they’re meaningful?

 Given a multitude of sensations, human perceiver organizes

them into a gestalt = German for “whole”

 EX. Necker Cube -

 Ind. elements = nothing more than 8 blue circles, ea.
w/ 3 converging white lines

 Other EXs

 The point:
 Mind imposes order & structure on physical world
 ∴ we perceive sensory patterns as org. wholes,
not isolated parts
 As we filter sensory info., we make inferences
 we construct our perceptions!

 A) FORM PERCEPTION

 Gestalt scientists outlined principles guiding the way we org. basic sensory input into
whole patterns
  1) PRINCIPLE OF FIGURE VS. GROUND
 We divide our perception into 2 distinct
parts:

 FIGURE:
 has definite shape; perceived as an object
 GROUND:
 no shape; seems to continue behind figure; perceived as figure’s
surroundings

 2) GROUPING PRINCIPLES
 How is a “figure” org. into a meaningful form?
 mind follows rules/laws for ordering stimuli into coherent wholes/groups:

I
 LAW OF PROXIMITY: perceive items near ea. other as a group

proximity
2  SIMILARITY: perceive similar items as a group

3  CONTINUATION: perceive stimuli as part of smooth, continuous pattern

rather than discontinuous pieces

&  CLOSURE: perceive objects as whole entities, despite fact that parts may be
missing or obstructed fr/view

5  CONNECTEDNESS: perceive lines, spots, or areas as a single unit when uniform

& linked

6  SIMPLICITY: perceive complex patterns in terms of simpler shapes

 Grouping Principles help us perceive meaningful forms

 However  brain imposes wholeness & order even when it’s not there (so
possibly misled)
 EX. impossible doghouse
What rules mislead you?  closure, continuity
 EX. Jacob’s ladder toy
What rules mislead you?  connectedness, simplicity, continuity
·
 O O O

O 00

EXERCISE: For each image (A through F), indicated what you “see” AND THE GROUPING
PRINCIPAL THAT IS GUIDING YOU TO PERCEIVE IT THAT WAY.

① proximity
similarity & closure

② similarity
⑨ contuinity
E simplicity OR contuinity
⑦ closure
>
-
connectedness
 monocular cues
-
 B) DEPTH PERCEPTION
-binocular cues

 From 2-D retinal images  to 3-D perceptions

w/ a location in space
 How?

 1) BINOCULAR CUES
  Require BOTH eyes

- visual
 RETINAL DISPARITY: experience
 Our 2 eyes observe objects fr/ diff. positions
in space
 Brain compares these 2 images
 difference = retinal disparity

greater ↑ diff./disparity = closer

less ↓ = farther

 CONVERGENCE:
 Eyes turn toward ea. other to see close objects
 Brain notes “angle of convergence”

greater ↑ angle = closer an object appears

less ↓ = farther

 Limitation of Binocular Cues:

  more useful in judging distance of NEARBY objects
  for FARTHER distances, we rely on monocular cues
2) MONOCULAR CUES  Available to ea. eye separately.
able to identify which monocular cue is being used
& be
Clook up pictures for all these

Relative Size:
If 2 objects are similar in size
 the one that casts a smaller retinal image is “seen” as farther away.

Interposition:
If one object partially blocks view of another, we “see” it as closer.

Height in Plane (Relative Height):

Objects higher in visual field are “seen” as farther away.
(Reverses above horizon; e.g., higher bird = closer)

Relative Brightness (aka Light & Shadow):

Given 2 identical objects, dimmer one seems farther away (e.g., car w/only parking
lights or in fog  seems farther away than is).

Direction of shading also produces depth.

(e.g., if we assume light comes fr/ above
light on bottom  concave
light on top  protrudes)

Relative Clarity:
Hazy objects appear farther away than sharp, clear objects (e.g., greater fog =
greater distance bec. objects become hazier) (as well as dimmer)

Due to fact that light fr/ distant objects passes thru more atmosphere.

Texture Gradient:
Objects appear smoother as distance increases.
(Course, distinct texture closer)
(Fine, indistinct texture  farther)

#
Linear Perspective:
Parallel lines of an object (if any) appear to converge w/ distance.
(↑ convergence = ↑ perceived distance)

Relative Motion (Motion Parallax):

Objects closer than fixation point appear to be moving backward.
(Faster backward = nearer)
Objects beyond fixation point appear to be moving in same direction as you.
(Slower forward = farther)
 EXERCISE: Indicate every monocular cue in the following painting by Van Gogh (Hospital
Corridor at Saint Remy, 1889), using an arrow () and LABEL.

Interposition

relative size - height plane in

clarity - *

relative S
-textura t

linear perspective
!
relative brightness : front arches-blue
back arches-green
C) PERCEPTUAL CONSTANCIES

We perceive objects as unchanging despite changes

in sensory input, i.e., shape, size

perceptual system makes allowances for this

variation in sensory input

1) SIZE CONSTANCY
Perceived size of object remains same when its distance changes, even though size of
retinal image changes dramatically.
EX. person walking toward you

(2) Factors account for it:

(1) Relative Size
Compare size of object to other objects of known size

(2) Size-Distance Relationships

We consider:
- size of retinal image
- perceived distance

Note interplay between perceived distance & perceived size.

 objects’ distance gives cue to its size
 knowing general size (e.g., car) provides cue to its distance

2) ILLUSIONS INFLUENCED BY MISAPPLIED

SIZE CONSTANCY

EXs. Ponzo Illusion (e.g., monsters)

Ames Room Illusion
Muller-Lyer Illusion

Process:
• objects cast same size retinal images
• we interpret cues suggesting distance
(i.e., one object appears farther away)
• experience says: a more distant object can create
same-size retinal image only if it is larger
• thus  we perceive object that seems
more distant as larger

Re: Illusions
• cues suggesting objects’ distance are present (or even distorted)
• take away distance cues  objects shrinks
III. Final Note on Meaningful Perceptions

 Recall:
 SENSATION
 registering stimuli hitting sensory organs
 PERCEPTION
 organizing & interpreting sensory info. into meaningful input

 “Bottom-up” Processing:
 Analysis/detection of basic info coming fr sensory receptors & putting it together
 Sensations come “bottom-up” to brain
 e.g., distinguishing lines, angles, shapes, colors

 “Top-down” Processing:
 Analysis guided by higher level constructs based on expectations or experience

 Especially w/ ambiguous stimuli

 Perceptual Sets – predispositions to perceive certain forms
 e.g., “leading” suggestions
 e.g., assumptions based on experience

 Context Effects – influence of surrounding context on perception

 e.g., “what else” went
w/ it (even later in
time)

 Perception involves both bottom-up and top-down processing

III. Final Note on Meaningful Perceptions

 Recall:
 SENSATION
 registering stimuli hitting sensory organs
 PERCEPTION
 organizing & interpreting sensory info. into meaningful input

 “Bottom-up” Processing:
 Analysis/detection of basic info coming fr sensory receptors & putting it together
 Sensations come “bottom-up” to brain
 e.g., distinguishing lines, angles, shapes, colors

 “Top-down” Processing:
 Analysis guided by higher level constructs based on expectations or experience

 Especially w/ ambiguous stimuli

 Perceptual Sets – predispositions to perceive certain forms
 e.g., “leading” suggestions
 e.g., assumptions based on experience

 Context Effects – influence of surrounding context on perception

 e.g., “what else” went
w/ it (even later in
time)

 Perception involves both bottom-up and top-down processing

III. Final Note on Meaningful Perceptions

 Recall:
 SENSATION
 registering stimuli hitting sensory organs
 PERCEPTION
 organizing & interpreting sensory info. into meaningful input

 “Bottom-up” Processing:
 Analysis/detection of basic info coming fr sensory receptors & putting it together
 Sensations come “bottom-up” to brain
 e.g., distinguishing lines, angles, shapes, colors

 “Top-down” Processing:
 Analysis guided by higher level constructs based on expectations or experience

 Especially w/ ambiguous stimuli

 Perceptual Sets – predispositions to perceive certain forms
 e.g., “leading” suggestions
 e.g., assumptions based on experience

 Context Effects – influence of surrounding context on perception

 e.g., “what else” went
w/ it (even later in
time)

 Perception involves both bottom-up and top-down processing

III. Final Note on Meaningful Perceptions

 Recall:
 SENSATION
 registering stimuli hitting sensory organs
 PERCEPTION
 organizing & interpreting sensory info. into meaningful input

 “Bottom-up” Processing:
 Analysis/detection of basic info coming fr sensory receptors & putting it together
 Sensations come “bottom-up” to brain
 e.g., distinguishing lines, angles, shapes, colors

 “Top-down” Processing:
 Analysis guided by higher level constructs based on expectations or experience

 Especially w/ ambiguous stimuli

 Perceptual Sets – predispositions to perceive certain forms
 e.g., “leading” suggestions
 e.g., assumptions based on experience

 Context Effects – influence of surrounding context on perception

 e.g., “what else” went
w/ it (even later in
time)

 Perception involves both bottom-up and top-down processing

III. Final Note on Meaningful Perceptions

 Recall:
 SENSATION
 registering stimuli hitting sensory organs
 PERCEPTION
 organizing & interpreting sensory info. into meaningful input

 “Bottom-up” Processing:
 Analysis/detection of basic info coming fr sensory receptors & putting it together
 Sensations come “bottom-up” to brain
 e.g., distinguishing lines, angles, shapes, colors

 “Top-down” Processing:
 Analysis guided by higher level constructs based on expectations or experience

 Especially w/ ambiguous stimuli

 Perceptual Sets – predispositions to perceive certain forms
 e.g., “leading” suggestions
 e.g., assumptions based on experience

 Context Effects – influence of surrounding context on perception

 e.g., “what else” went
w/ it (even later in
time)

 Perception involves both bottom-up and top-down processing

III. Final Note on Meaningful Perceptions

 Recall:
 SENSATION
 registering stimuli hitting sensory organs
 PERCEPTION
 organizing & interpreting sensory info. into meaningful input

 “Bottom-up” Processing:
 Analysis/detection of basic info coming fr sensory receptors & putting it together
 Sensations come “bottom-up” to brain
 e.g., distinguishing lines, angles, shapes, colors

 “Top-down” Processing:
 Analysis guided by higher level constructs based on expectations or experience

 Especially w/ ambiguous stimuli

 Perceptual Sets – predispositions to perceive certain forms
 e.g., “leading” suggestions
 e.g., assumptions based on experience

 Context Effects – influence of surrounding context on perception

 e.g., “what else” went
w/ it (even later in
time)

 Perception involves both bottom-up and top-down processing

III. Final Note on Meaningful Perceptions

 Recall:
 SENSATION
 registering stimuli hitting sensory organs
 PERCEPTION
 organizing & interpreting sensory info. into meaningful input

 “Bottom-up” Processing:
 Analysis/detection of basic info coming fr sensory receptors & putting it together
 Sensations come “bottom-up” to brain
 e.g., distinguishing lines, angles, shapes, colors

 “Top-down” Processing:
 Analysis guided by higher level constructs based on expectations or experience

 Especially w/ ambiguous stimuli

 Perceptual Sets – predispositions to perceive certain forms
 e.g., “leading” suggestions
 e.g., assumptions based on experience

 Context Effects – influence of surrounding context on perception

 e.g., “what else” went
w/ it (even later in
time)

 Perception involves both bottom-up and top-down processing

III. Final Note on Meaningful Perceptions

 Recall:
 SENSATION
 registering stimuli hitting sensory organs
 PERCEPTION
 organizing & interpreting sensory info. into meaningful input

 “Bottom-up” Processing:
 Analysis/detection of basic info coming fr sensory receptors & putting it together
 Sensations come “bottom-up” to brain
 e.g., distinguishing lines, angles, shapes, colors

 “Top-down” Processing:
 Analysis guided by higher level constructs based on expectations or experience

 Especially w/ ambiguous stimuli

 Perceptual Sets – predispositions to perceive certain forms
 e.g., “leading” suggestions
 e.g., assumptions based on experience

 Context Effects – influence of surrounding context on perception

 e.g., “what else” went
w/ it (even later in
time)

 Perception involves both bottom-up and top-down processing

III. Final Note on Meaningful Perceptions

 Recall:
 SENSATION
 registering stimuli hitting sensory organs
 PERCEPTION
 organizing & interpreting sensory info. into meaningful input

 “Bottom-up” Processing:
 Analysis/detection of basic info coming fr sensory receptors & putting it together
 Sensations come “bottom-up” to brain
 e.g., distinguishing lines, angles, shapes, colors

 “Top-down” Processing:
 Analysis guided by higher level constructs based on expectations or experience

 Especially w/ ambiguous stimuli

 Perceptual Sets – predispositions to perceive certain forms
 e.g., “leading” suggestions
 e.g., assumptions based on experience

 Context Effects – influence of surrounding context on perception

 e.g., “what else” went
w/ it (even later in
time)

 Perception involves both bottom-up and top-down processing

III. Final Note on Meaningful Perceptions

 Recall:
 SENSATION
 registering stimuli hitting sensory organs
 PERCEPTION
 organizing & interpreting sensory info. into meaningful input

 “Bottom-up” Processing:
 Analysis/detection of basic info coming fr sensory receptors & putting it together
 Sensations come “bottom-up” to brain
 e.g., distinguishing lines, angles, shapes, colors

 “Top-down” Processing:
 Analysis guided by higher level constructs based on expectations or experience

 Especially w/ ambiguous stimuli

 Perceptual Sets – predispositions to perceive certain forms
 e.g., “leading” suggestions
 e.g., assumptions based on experience

 Context Effects – influence of surrounding context on perception

 e.g., “what else” went
w/ it (even later in
time)

 Perception involves both bottom-up and top-down processing

III. Final Note on Meaningful Perceptions

 Recall:
 SENSATION
 registering stimuli hitting sensory organs
 PERCEPTION
 organizing & interpreting sensory info. into meaningful input

 “Bottom-up” Processing:
 Analysis/detection of basic info coming fr sensory receptors & putting it together
 Sensations come “bottom-up” to brain
 e.g., distinguishing lines, angles, shapes, colors

 “Top-down” Processing:
 Analysis guided by higher level constructs based on expectations or experience

 Especially w/ ambiguous stimuli

 Perceptual Sets – predispositions to perceive certain forms
 e.g., “leading” suggestions
 e.g., assumptions based on experience

 Context Effects – influence of surrounding context on perception

 e.g., “what else” went
w/ it (even later in
time)

 Perception involves both bottom-up and top-down processing

III. Final Note on Meaningful Perceptions

 Recall:
 SENSATION
 registering stimuli hitting sensory organs
 PERCEPTION
 organizing & interpreting sensory info. into meaningful input

 “Bottom-up” Processing:
 Analysis/detection of basic info coming fr sensory receptors & putting it together
 Sensations come “bottom-up” to brain
 e.g., distinguishing lines, angles, shapes, colors

 “Top-down” Processing:
 Analysis guided by higher level constructs based on expectations or experience

 Especially w/ ambiguous stimuli

 Perceptual Sets – predispositions to perceive certain forms
 e.g., “leading” suggestions
 e.g., assumptions based on experience

 Context Effects – influence of surrounding context on perception

 e.g., “what else” went
w/ it (even later in
time)

 Perception involves both bottom-up and top-down processing

III. Final Note on Meaningful Perceptions

 Recall:
 SENSATION
 registering stimuli hitting sensory organs
 PERCEPTION
 organizing & interpreting sensory info. into meaningful input

 “Bottom-up” Processing:
 Analysis/detection of basic info coming fr sensory receptors & putting it together
 Sensations come “bottom-up” to brain
 e.g., distinguishing lines, angles, shapes, colors

 “Top-down” Processing:
 Analysis guided by higher level constructs based on expectations or experience

 Especially w/ ambiguous stimuli

 Perceptual Sets – predispositions to perceive certain forms
 e.g., “leading” suggestions
 e.g., assumptions based on experience

 Context Effects – influence of surrounding context on perception

 e.g., “what else” went
w/ it (even later in
time)

 Perception involves both bottom-up and top-down processing

III. Final Note on Meaningful Perceptions

 Recall:
 SENSATION
 registering stimuli hitting sensory organs
 PERCEPTION
 organizing & interpreting sensory info. into meaningful input

 “Bottom-up” Processing:
 Analysis/detection of basic info coming fr sensory receptors & putting it together
 Sensations come “bottom-up” to brain
 e.g., distinguishing lines, angles, shapes, colors

 “Top-down” Processing:
 Analysis guided by higher level constructs based on expectations or experience

 Especially w/ ambiguous stimuli

 Perceptual Sets – predispositions to perceive certain forms
 e.g., “leading” suggestions
 e.g., assumptions based on experience

 Context Effects – influence of surrounding context on perception

 e.g., “what else” went
w/ it (even later in
time)

 Perception involves both bottom-up and top-down processing