PSYC 101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Visual Cortex, Optic Chiasm, Trichromacy
Document Summary
Perception: the selection, organization and interpretation of sensory input. Sensation involves the absorption of energy like light and sound waves by the eyes or ears. Perception is organizing and translating sensory information into something meaningful. Light: a form of electromagnetic radiation that travels as a wave, moving at the speed of light. Light can vary in purity: how varied the mix of different wavelengths is. Saturation: the relative amount of whiteness in a color. Eyes channel light to the neural tissues that receives it (retina) and house that tissue. Light enters the eyes through the cornea: a transparent window at the front. Lens: a transparent eyes structure that focuses the light rays falling on the retina. Accommodation occurs when the curvature of the lens adjusts to alter visual focus. Most visual problems are caused by focusing problems or defects in the lens.
