When we look head-on at a rectangular picture frame hanging on the wall, it appears as a rectangle. If we walk off to one side and look at the frame from an angle we still recognize that it is a rectangle, but from that perspective the image processed on our retina is a trapezoid. Our brain compensates for the distortion of the shape by taking into account visual cues about distance and depth to keep our perception of the picture frame constant. How do we recognize the shape even when our senses are giving us other information?
A) Perceptual constancy
B) The law of proximity
C) The law of continuity
D) Monocular depth cues

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Perceptual constancy refers to our ability to recognize objects as being the same despite changes in the retinal image. In this case, our brain uses visual cues about distance and depth to maintain our perception of the picture frame as a rectangle even when our angle of view causes the retinal image to be a trapezoid. The law of proximity and the law of continuity are principles of Gestalt psychology, which refer to how we group visual information into meaningful patterns. Monocular depth cues are visual cues that we can perceive with one eye, such as linear perspective and texture gradient, that provide information about depth and distance. While they may contribute to our perception of the picture frame as a rectangle, they do not explain our ability to maintain this perception despite changes in the retinal image.

When We Look Head-On at a Rectangular Picture Frame Hanging