While attempting to overcome writer's block, Devin stares at her yellow, green, and white striped journal on the table. When she finally returns to her blank computer screen, she sees a blue, red, and black striped afterimage. Which theory best explains the afterimage that Devin sees?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The opponent process theory explains afterimages by suggesting that colors are perceived in opposing pairs: red-green, blue-yellow, and black-white. When Devin stares at the yellow, green, and white stripes, the corresponding opposing colors (blue, red, and black) appear in the afterimage she sees. This is because the cells in the eye that perceive color become fatigued from staring at one color for too long and when looking away, the opposing color is seen.

While Attempting to Overcome Writer's Block, Devin Stares at Her