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Abstract

Attempts to explain any perceptual phenomena usually do so exclusively
in terms of neurophysiological mechanisms on the one hand, or in terms
of inferred cognitive processes on the other. Alternative theoretical
approaches offer a combination of these positions. The realisation that
numerous phenomena can be accounted for by both major theories has
lead to confusion of interpretation. One example is the reduction of
dominance of a percept of a reversible figure after prolonged exposure to
an unambiguous stimulus. Typically, the percept which resembles the
unambiguous stimulus is seen for a smaller proportion of the subsequent
viewing period.
The neurophysiological account of this phenomenon holds that the
groups of cells responding to the unambiguous stimulus become fatigued
during adaptation so that during subsequent viewing of the ambiguous
stimulus the most active group of cells will dominate. The alternative,
cognitive explanation proposes that one of the effects of prolonged
viewing or adaptation may shift the rate of accumulation of evidence for a
particular perspective interpretation. Within this cognitive context one
may speculate that prolonged inspection of an unambiguous stimulus
simply creates a preference for whichever interpretation of the ambiguous
stimulus is the more novel.
Proponents of these dichotomous approaches believe that every perceptual
phenomena need only be explained by one theory. However, as some
phenomena can be explained by both approaches, an integrated approach
in which visual processing at a physiological level is influenced by
cognitive processes may be warranted.
A modified experimental procedure to enable the independent
manipulation of the physiological and cognitive components of this visual
effect, was suggested.

Item Type:	Thesis - Coursework Master
Authors/Creators:	Chilcott, Karen
Keywords:	Perception, Adaptation (Physiology), Adaptability (Psychology)
Copyright Holders:	The Author
Copyright Information:	Copyright 1995 the Author - The University is continuing to endeavour to trace the copyright owner(s) and in the meantime this item has been reproduced here in good faith. We would be pleased to hear from the copyright owner(s).
Additional Information:	Thesis (M.Psych.)--University of Tasmania, 1996. Includes bibliographical references
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

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