+ Gibson`s theory

Optic Array

The patterns of light reaching the eye can be thought of asn an optic array containing all the visual information available at the retina. This optic array provides unambiguous information about the layout of objects in space.

Textured Gradients

As the optic array flows around you the viewer, the textured gradient of what you perceive gives information about distance, speed, etc. This perception involves almost little or no information processing by the cognitive system.

For this to happen Gibson's theory relies on action, or movement. Previous research almost eliminated the movement of subjects in laboratory conditions. Two constants are important: the pole (or the point to which someone is moving) and the horizon in relation to the height of the person. These invariants help to maintain size constancy.

Gibson further explained an ability to filter the optic array as the potential to filter information through resonance. This is rather like radio waves and the radio, which can pick up frequencies that broadcast music etc. distinguishing them from other 'noise'. People are able to 'tune into' their environments fairly automatically.

Affordance

This means attaching particular meaning to visual information. Gibson rejected the theory that long term memory provides meaning. Rather, he argued that the potential use of an object is directly perceivable - a ladder 'affords' climbing up or down, a chair 'affords' sitting.

Gibson concluded that visual perception is extremely accurate. Visual Illusions work because the view we have is often of a very short time (impoverished) and usually two dimensional and static, not involving the added perceptual awareness of movement. Visual illusions have little to do with everyday living. However, Gibson only goes so far in understanding 'seeing' and not far enough in explaining how people 'see as' assigning meaning to what we see. This does involve memory and learning.

(http://www.users.totalise.co.uk/~kbroom/Lectures/gibson.htm)