Chapter 6        Perception       (CR4, CR15, CR16)

Chapter 6 Objectives:

1. Describe how the process of perception is directed and limited by selective attention.

2. Explain how illusions help us to understand perception.

3. Discuss Gestalt psychology’s contribution to our understanding of perception.

4. Explain the figure-ground relationship, and identify principles of perceptual grouping in form perception.

5. Discuss research on depth perception involving the use of the visual cliff, and describe the binocular and monocular cues in depth perception.

6. Describe stroboscopic movement and the phi phenomenon.

7. Describe the perceptual constancies, and show how the perceived size-distance relationship operates in visual illusions.

8. Describe the debate over the role of nature and nurture in perception, and discuss what research findings on sensory deprivation and restored vision have contributed to this debate.

9. Explain what the use of distorting goggles indicates regarding the adaptability of perception.

10. Discuss the effects of assumptions, expectations, and contexts on our perceptions.

11. State the claims of ESP, and explain why most research psychologists remain skeptical.