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Understanding Perception and Its Contexts

Oct 26, 2024

Lecture on Perception

Key Concepts

  • Perceptions are Relative:
    • Perception depends heavily on context and not just objective stimuli.
    • Color and size perception can vary depending on surrounding elements.
    • Functional perspective of perception emphasizes evolutionary benefits.

Examples of Contextual Perception

Color Perception

  • Illustration of Color Perception:
    • Same color can appear differently based on context (e.g., pink X on a square).
    • Context influences how colors are perceived in terms of brightness and hue.

Size Perception

  • Ebbinghaus Illusion:

    • Center circle appears different in size depending on surrounding circles.
    • Contextual information alters perception of size in objects.
  • Predator-Prey Example:

    • Importance of relative size perception for survival in natural environments.

Opponent Process Theory

  • Visual Illusions:
    • Gray spots perceived at intersection of white squares illustrate opponent process theory.
    • Perceptions depend on detection and interpretation of changes and contrasts.

Importance of Context-Dependent Perception

  • Video Demonstration:
    • Shows how perception changes when an object is moved between light and shadow.

Size Constancy

  • Illustration with Hallway and Creatures:
    • Brains assume constant size for objects (e.g., bricks, floor tiles), impacting perception of size.
    • Illustrates how context can distort perceived size.

Visual Illusion Examples

  • Monster Illusion:

    • Perception of size influenced by surrounding bricks and tiles.
  • Architecture Illusion:

    • Perception of depth and size constancy in relation to poles or pillars.

Linear Perspective and Depth Perception

  • Leaning Tower of Pisa Illusion:

    • Parallel lines should converge with distance; non-convergence alters perception of angles.
  • Red-Dressed Girl Example:

    • No perceived distortion due to lack of depth cues.

Conclusion

  • Questions and Interaction:
    • Encouragement to post questions on discussion board for collective learning.
    • Q&A sessions available for further discussion.