PERCEPTION: THE BUSINESS OF CREATING MEANING

I. Definition of perception:

  1. How it is less than sensation

  2. How it is more than sensation

II. Gestalt Psychologists: the first to realize that perception involves actively looking for meaning.

A. Definition of the German word "gestalt":

B. Central principle of gestalt psychology: "The whole is different from the sum of the parts." To learn how Gestalt psychology deals with more than perception, follow these links to see how:

C. Examples of this principle ("the whole is different from the sum of the parts") in perception:

1. Some intuitive examples

2. The phi-phenomenon

a. Definition
b. Demonstration

III. One implication of the fact that what we see is different from what's there: We do not see objective reality. Instead, what we see is affected by the perceptual hypotheses we form.

A. Examples of perceptual hypotheses:

B. Implications of perceptual hypotheses for observation

1. All scientific observations are open to question because we may see what we expect to see rather than what's there. That is, we may be susceptible to perceptual set.

2. Asking people what they observe may be more useful for finding out what perceptual hypotheses they have than for finding out about the world.
How psychologists use this fact:

3. The disturbing lack of correspondence between confidence and accuracy of observations.

4. The value of perception checking and active listening

Take time out for a quick quiz.
To see some perception effects on your own, visit the San Francisco Exploratorium by clicking here.

By now, you should be able to:

  1. Explain how perception is both more and less than sensation.

  2. Explain what the Gestalt psychologists meant by the term "gestalt."

  3. Explain why the phi phenomenon was considered proof of the gestalt position.

  4. List four important implications of the fact that perceptual hypotheses can lead to perceptual set.

  5. List and give examples of four of the Gestalt Laws of Grouping.

  6. Explain how Helson's adaptation level can be used to increase your happiness.

  7. Examine these concept maps:
    1. Introduction to the two important principles of Gestalt psychology.
    2. More detailed look at two important principles of Gestalt Psychology
    3. How perception differs from reality.

  8. Do well on this practice quiz.

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