Introduction to Psychology

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/books Saylor.org

Name Description Example Image

Relative size Assuming that the
objects in a scene are
the same size, smaller
objects are perceived
as farther away.

At right, the cars in

the distance appear

smaller than those

nearer to us.

Linear
perspective

Parallel lines appear to

converge at a distance.

We know that the

tracks at right are

parallel. When they

appear closer

together, we

determine they are

farther away. (^)
Light and
shadow
The eye receives more
reflected light from
objects that are closer
to us. Normally, light
comes from above, so
darker images are in
shadow.
We see the images at
right as extending
and indented
according to their
shadowing. If we
invert the picture, the
images will reverse.
Figure 4.2