Theories of Visual Perception

by IanE.Gordon (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1997

  $4.89

  During the past 150 years, many scientists, fascinated by the achievements of the visual systems of humans and animals, have discovered some of the ways in which vision acquires knowledge of the external world. This volume reviews seven major theoretical approaches to the problem of explaining vision: psychophysics and nature of sensory thresholds; the Gestalt Theory; probabilistic functionalism; neurophysiological theories; empiricism; the theory of direct perception; and the computational approach to vision. The philosophical and historical background to each theory is described, and a final summary chapter assesses the strengths and weaknesses of each theory and attempts to predict future developments.

• Used

  Paperback
  1989

  $3.47

  This study, which explains theorizing in perception, pays particular attention to vision. Describing three pieces of research work which have won the Nobel Prize, the text observes perception at work in daily life and explains how readers can be trained to increase their awareness. Subjects covered include the three-factor and opponent-process theories of colour and vision, neural processes in the retina, the Gestalt theory, ecological optics and the computational theory of vision. Although the text has been aimed primarily at undergraduate psychology students, it has been written in a straightforward manner which should also be of benefit to students in related disciplines, such as philosophy and physiology.