The relationship between physical and perceptual quantities

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between physical and perceptual quantities, specifically addressing how perceived size and distance of objects can remain constant despite changes in their actual dimensions. Key points include the correlation between perceived size and distance, where greater distances lead to larger perceived sizes, and the distinction between linear dimensions, area, and volume in size perception. The conversation also highlights the complexities involved in estimating the size and distance of objects, using the moon as an extreme example to illustrate these concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of perceptual psychology concepts
  • Familiarity with visual perception theories
  • Knowledge of basic geometry regarding dimensions
  • Awareness of optical illusions and their effects on perception
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of visual perception in psychology
  • Explore the concept of size-distance invariance in visual perception
  • Study the effects of distance on perceived size using real-world examples
  • Investigate optical illusions that illustrate the relationship between size and distance
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for psychologists, visual artists, educators, and anyone interested in understanding how humans perceive size and distance in relation to physical objects.

nao113
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Homework Statement
Imagine and draw a figure to show the relationship between physical and perceptual quantities below as shown in fig.1 with some explanations.
a) Physical and perceptual size of an object
b) Physical and perceptual distance to an object
c) Wavelength of light and color perception (What kind of perceptual quality should be the vertical axis?)
Relevant Equations
In the pictures below
Screen Shot 2022-06-20 at 10.16.00.png

Screen Shot 2022-06-20 at 10.15.31.png


Answer:
WhatsApp Image 2022-06-20 at 11.08.24 AM.jpeg

Did I draw them right?
 
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You are asked to provide explanations. Where are they? Specifically, what do the two dashed lines represent in the "Size of an object" figure? You also have to explain the other general features such as why the perceived size or distance do not change as the physical size or distance increase and then all of a sudden there is a linear increase to both of them.
 
There are a couple of difficulties wrt estimating the distance to and size of an object.
1. The two are related; the further away you think it is the larger it will appear to be.
2. for size, are we talking linear dimension, area or volume?

wrt your attempt, consider some extreme examples. How large and far away does the moon look?
 

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