Gregory's Constructivist Theory (Key Theory)

• What is Gregory's constructivist theory of perception?

  It proposes we use past experience to make sense of the world around us. (1)
• How does Gregory's theory contrast with Gibson's theory?

  Gibson believes sensation and perception are the same.
• What is perception in Gregory's constructivist theory?

  A construction. (2)
• How does the brain construct perception?

  By using incoming information and prior knowledge.
• What does inference mean in the context of perception?

  The brain fills in gaps using sensory information. (3)
• What do visual cues provide to the brain?

  Information about depth and distance.
• Why do visual illusions occur according to Gregory's theory?

  The brain draws incorrect conclusions from cues.
• How does past experience influence perception?

  It shapes learned visual cues over time.
• What is one strength of Gregory's theory?

  It has support from studies on cultural differences.
• What did research in different cultures reveal about perception?

  People interpret visual cues differently based on experience.
• What is a weakness of Gregory's use of visual illusions?

  They are artificial and may not reflect reality.
• What is another weakness of Gregory's theory?

  It cannot explain how perception begins.
• What perceptual ability do babies have at birth according to research?

  They prefer human faces over random patterns.
• What does Fantz's research suggest about perception?

  Not all perception is learned through experience.