AP Psychology Definitions Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is figure ground in perception?

Relating to or denoting the perception of images by the distinction of objects from a background from which they appear to stand out, especially in contexts where this distinction is ambiguous.

What does grouping refer to?

A set of people acting together with a common interest or purpose, especially within a larger organization.

What does proximity mean in visual perception?

Objects that are near, or proximate, to each other tend to be grouped together.

How is similarity defined in perception?

Regions that are similar in color, lightness, shape, or texture are perceived as belonging to the same object. Signup and view all the answers

What is continuity in psychological terms?

The unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over a period of time. Signup and view all the answers

What does connectedness refer to in perception?

Various properties meaning, in some sense, all one piece. Signup and view all the answers

What is closure in perception?

The illusion of seeing an incomplete stimulus as though it were whole. Signup and view all the answers

Define depth perception.

The ability to perceive the relative distance of objects in one's visual field. Signup and view all the answers

What are binocular cues?

Based on the receipt of sensory information in three dimensions from both eyes. Signup and view all the answers

What is retinal disparity?

The way that your left eye and your right eye view slightly different images. Signup and view all the answers

What does convergence mean in the context of vision?

In order to perceive depth properly, your eyes must move slightly inward or converge. Signup and view all the answers

Define monocular cues.

Represented in just two dimensions and observed with just one eye. Signup and view all the answers

What is relative size?

A perceptual clue which allows you to determine how close objects are to an object of known size. Signup and view all the answers

What does interposition refer to in perception?

Occurs in instances where one object overlaps the other, which causes us to perceive depth. Signup and view all the answers

What is relative clarity?

Light from distant objects passes through more atmosphere; therefore, they are perceived as hazy and farther away than sharp, clear objects. Signup and view all the answers

Define texture gradient.

The distortion in size which closer objects have compared to objects farther away. Signup and view all the answers

What is relative height?

Used in visual and artistic perspective where distant objects are seen or portrayed as being smaller and higher in relation to items that are closer. Signup and view all the answers

What does relative motion refer to?

The calculation of the motion of an object with regard to some other moving object. Signup and view all the answers

What is linear perspective?

The relative size, shape, and position of objects are determined by drawn or imagined lines converging at a point on the horizon. Signup and view all the answers

How are light and shadow used in perception?

Used by the visual system as cues to determine depth perception and distance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the phi phenomenon?

Motion perceived by a subject, especially the illusion of movement produced when stationary stimuli are presented in rapid succession and are sometimes in slightly different positions. Signup and view all the answers

What does perceptual constancy refer to?

Refers to the tendency to perceive an object you are familiar with as having a constant shape, size, and brightness despite the stimuli changes that occur. Signup and view all the answers

What is size constancy?

Refers to the fact that our perceptions of the size of objects are relatively constant despite the fact that the size of objects on the retina vary greatly with distance. Signup and view all the answers

What does shape constancy refer to?

The tendency to perceive the shape of a rigid object as constant despite differences in the viewing angle. Signup and view all the answers

What is lightness constancy?

A theory exploring human visual perception of neutral colors that states that colors appear to emit light depending on brightness surroundings. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Perceptual Principles

Figure Ground: Differentiation of objects from their background; crucial in ambiguous visual scenarios.
Grouping: Individuals working together towards a shared goal, often within a larger entity.
Proximity: Tendency of objects that are close to be perceived as a group.
Similarity: Objects with shared attributes (color, shape, texture) are viewed as part of the same entity.
Continuity: Consistent existence or perception over time; fluid continuation in visual perception.
Connectedness: Perception of items that appear related or as one cohesive unit.

Visual Perception and Depth

Closure: Perceiving incomplete shapes as finished wholes; brain fills gaps in visual information.
Depth Perception: Ability to assess distances between objects in the field of vision.
Binocular Cues: Depth cues arising from slightly different images received by each eye.
Retinal Disparity: Difference in images from left and right eyes provides information on depth.
Convergence: Inward movement of eyes for depth perception; eyes angle inward when focusing on closer objects.
Monocular Cues: Depth cues available to one eye; important for perceiving depth in flat images.

Distance and Size Judgments

Relative Size: Perception of size based on comparison with known objects; larger sizes typically indicate closeness.
Interposition: Objects that overlap indicate depth; the obscured object is perceived as further away.
Relative Clarity: Distant objects appear hazy due to atmospheric interference; clarity suggests proximity.
Texture Gradient: Objects closer have more distinct textures than those farther away.
Relative Height: Distant objects appear smaller and positioned higher in the visual field than nearer objects.
Relative Motion: Movement of one object compared to another; crucial for detecting motion in a visual scene.
Linear Perspective: Objects diminishing in size as they approach a vanishing point on the horizon.

Cues for Perception

Light and Shadow: Light variations help the visual system determine depth and spatial relationships.
Phi Phenomenon: Illusion of motion created by rapid succession of static images positioned slightly apart.
Perceptual Constancy: Constant perception of familiar objects despite varying sensory input (shape, size, brightness).
Size Constancy: Perceived size remains consistent despite changes in sensory input based on distance.
Shape Constancy: Constant perception of an object's shape despite changes in viewing angle.
Lightness Constancy: Perceptions of light and dark are affected by surrounding brightness, not just object properties; proposed by Hans Wallach.

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Test your knowledge of key terms in AP Psychology with these flashcards. Each card includes a word and its definition, helping you understand fundamental concepts like Figure Ground, Grouping, and Proximity. Perfect for preparing for exams or reinforcing your learning.