Gregory

• What does Gregory’s constructivist theory of perception assume about perception?

  It assumes that perception is the product of learning and experience.
• How does past experience influence human perception according to Gregory's theory?

  Past experience and stored information enable humans to understand sensory inputs.
• How might someone infer the presence of a shark based on Gregory's theory?

  By seeing a curved fin and recalling that it is associated with sharks.
• What role do inferences play in the process of perception according to Gregory's theory?

  Inferences help fill in gaps in sensory information, making perception an active process.
• What was the main finding of Gregory & Wallace's (1963) case study on SB?

  SB had some intact sight abilities but faced difficulties with focus and depth perception.
• What abilities did SB retain after his sight was restored?

  He could walk down a corridor, enjoy moving objects, and estimate object sizes.
• What difficulties did SB experience after his sight was restored?

  He struggled to focus on objects, had trouble crossing the road, and had issues with depth perception.
• What conclusion can be drawn from SB's case regarding perception?

  Perception may not be entirely innate; skills like depth perception must be learned.
• How did SB use visual cues after regaining his sight?

  He supplemented non-visual cues from his blindness to understand visual information.
• What is an example of how visual cues help humans navigate the physical world?

  A partial view of a banana would not lead someone to think it is an apple.
• What can visual illusions do according to the study material?

  They can provide faulty clues or information about what an object is.
• What term did Gregory use to explain errors made by the brain in interpreting visual illusions?

  'Mistaken hypothesis'
• What does Gregory's theory suggest about how people form perceptions?

  People are constantly testing hypotheses about what they can see and other senses.
• What are the strengths of Gregory's constructivist theory of perception?

  • Supported by cross-cultural research indicating perception is influenced by environment.
  • Explains how illusions like the Ponzo and Muller-Lyer work, emphasizing depth and distance.
• What are the weaknesses of Gregory's constructivist theory of perception?

  • The 'nurture' argument overlooks that babies can use sensory information to understand their environment.
  • SB's case study does not conclusively prove perception is entirely a product of experience.