There are some functions of perception that are hard wired. This means that we have them already built into our brains, or that we learn them very soon after birth.
There is strong evidence that shows that color vision happens as a response to the cones in the retina, of which there are four different specialized cells. You can read more about the theory here: http://www.cultsock.org/index.php?page=perception/percep1.html.
This has been labeled the opponent process and is illustrated when the eye is stimulated by a particular color, the opposing color can then be seen. For example if you concentrate on a green piece of paper and then look a t white piece, you will see red. This is one function of perception.
In 1960, Gibson and Walk demonstrated how humans have this function form a very early age.
Six month old babies were placed on a raised area onto a sheet of glass that covered black and white squares. One half of the area had the squares about a meter lower than where the child was sat. Even at such a young age, the babies were very reluctant to crawl over the edge of the 'cliff' thus revealing that they already had this particular function of perception.
The experiment was also tried with animals that can walk immediately after birth, such as lambs and chicks. They too, refused to walk over the 'edge'.
- Color vision perception
There is strong evidence that shows that color vision happens as a response to the cones in the retina, of which there are four different specialized cells. You can read more about the theory here: http://www.cultsock.org/index.php?page=perception/percep1.html.
This has been labeled the opponent process and is illustrated when the eye is stimulated by a particular color, the opposing color can then be seen. For example if you concentrate on a green piece of paper and then look a t white piece, you will see red. This is one function of perception.
- Depth perception
In 1960, Gibson and Walk demonstrated how humans have this function form a very early age.
Six month old babies were placed on a raised area onto a sheet of glass that covered black and white squares. One half of the area had the squares about a meter lower than where the child was sat. Even at such a young age, the babies were very reluctant to crawl over the edge of the 'cliff' thus revealing that they already had this particular function of perception.
The experiment was also tried with animals that can walk immediately after birth, such as lambs and chicks. They too, refused to walk over the 'edge'.
