Factors of Perception

There are three main factors of perception:

1. Objective Factors
2. Subjective Factors
3. Social Factors

Objective Factors
Objective factors have three main parts:

• Perceptual Organization
• Perceptual Constancy
• Characteristics of Stimulus

1. Perceptual Organization
Meaning:

Perceptual organization is the process of selecting, arranging, and understanding the

information we receive through our senses. It helps us recognize and understand objects
correctly.

There are two basic principles of perceptual organization:

(a) Figure and Ground

The first step in perception is to recognize the figure (main object) and separate it from the
ground (background).

• Figure is the object that attracts our attention and has meaning.
• Ground is the background around the figure, which usually has less importance.
• The figure always appears in front, while the ground stays behind.
• The borders or outlines help us separate the figure from the background.

(b) Grouping
Grouping is the second principle of perceptual organization.
It means that our brain naturally groups similar or related objects together instead of
seeing them separately.

German psychologists explained these grouping principles. They were called Gestalt
psychologists. The German word Gestalt means "whole figure."

According to Gestalt psychologists:

"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

This means that when we look at different parts together, we understand them as one
complete object instead of many separate parts.

Laws of Perceptual Organization

1. Simplicity
We naturally organize information in the simplest and easiest way to understand.

2. Similarity
We naturally group together things that look alike, such as objects with the same color,
shape, or size.

3. Proximity
We usually see objects that are close to each other as belonging to the same group.

The closer the objects are, the more likely we are to see them as one group.

4. Continuity
The principle of continuity says that we usually see lines, patterns, or objects as
continuing smoothly in the same direction instead of breaking suddenly.

5. Common Fate
Objects that move in the same direction and at the same speed are usually seen as
belonging to the same group.
6. Closure
Closure is the tendency of our brain to fill in missing parts of an incomplete figure so that
we see it as a complete object.

7. Reference Frames
We understand the shape and position of objects by comparing them with the space and
surroundings around them.

This surrounding environment is called the reference frame, and it helps us understand
objects more accurately.

8. Figural Goodness
Gestalt psychologists explained that some shapes are easier for our brain to recognize
than others.

Figural goodness means that a shape is simple, balanced (symmetrical), and regular.

Research shows that good figures are easier to:

• recognize,
• remember, and
• describe
than complex or irregular (bad) figures.

2. Perceptual Constancy
Meaning:

Perceptual constancy means that we see an object as remaining the same in size, shape,
color, and other features, even though the image formed on our eyes (retina) may change.

In simple words, perceptual constancy helps us see the world in a stable and consistent
way, even when objects are closer, farther away, or viewed from different angles.

There are three types of perceptual constancy:

(a) Size Constancy
Size constancy means that we see an object as having the same size, even though its
image on the retina becomes larger or smaller as the object moves closer or farther away.

(b) Shape Constancy

Shape constancy means that we recognize an object as having the same shape, even
when we look at it from different angles or positions.

(c) Brightness Constancy

Brightness constancy means that an object appears to have almost the same brightness,
even when the amount of light falling on it changes.

We usually judge the brightness of an object by comparing it with its surrounding

background.

3. Characteristics of Stimulus
Meaning:

Characteristics of stimulus are the features of a stimulus that make it more noticeable
and attract our attention than other stimuli.

The main characteristics of stimulus are:

(a) Contrast
Contrast means how different a stimulus is from the things around it.

A stimulus that is very different from its surroundings attracts more attention.

Stimuli can differ in many ways, such as brightness, size, movement, color, pitch, and
loudness.

(b) Change
We quickly notice any change in our surroundings.

For example, if a radio is playing softly while we are studying, we may ignore it. But if the
sound suddenly stops, we notice it immediately.
In the same way, changes in light are also noticed easily.

(c) Movement
Moving objects attract our attention more quickly than objects that remain still.

That is why moving things are easier to notice than stationary ones.

(d) Size
Large objects usually attract more attention than small ones.

For example, companies use large billboards to attract people, and on the front page of a
newspaper, the largest headline catches our attention first.

(e) Intensity
Intensity means the strength of a stimulus.

The brighter the light or the louder the sound, the more likely we are to notice it.

(f) Context
Context means the surrounding situation or environment in which a stimulus appears.

The same stimulus may attract more or less attention depending on its surroundings.

For example, a dim light may become more noticeable when it appears in a very bright
place.

(g) Repetition
Repetition means showing or presenting the same stimulus again and again.

The more often a stimulus is repeated, the more likely people are to notice and remember
it.

For example, TV advertisements are shown many times because repeated messages
attract more attention and are easier to remember.
2. Subjective Factors
Meaning:

Subjective factors are the personal factors of an individual that influence how he or she
perceives and understands things.

The main subjective factors are:

(a) Motivation
Meaning:

Motivation is the force that starts, guides, and keeps our behavior focused on achieving
a goal.

Some motivations are natural (inborn), while many others are learned through
experience.

(b) Perceptual Set

Meaning:

Perceptual set is the temporary tendency to see or understand a stimulus in a

particular way because of previous experience.

In simple words, it is a temporary mental readiness to perceive or respond to something

in a specific way.

(c) Expectation
Meaning:

Expectation is the habit of expecting or believing that something will happen or be

present.

We often see or believe what we expect to see, sometimes even when it is not actually
there.

(d) Past Experience

Meaning:
Our past experiences affect the way we perceive things.

When our attention is influenced by motivation and expectations, our previous experiences
also influence our perception.

Many of our motivations develop because of our past experiences.

(e) Attention
Meaning:

Attention is the process of selecting one stimulus and ignoring the others.

When many stimuli are present, we focus on the important ones and filter out the rest.

(f) Interest
Meaning:

Interest is an important factor that attracts us toward a particular object or activity.

Interest may be natural or learned, and it influences what we notice and how we perceive
things.

The TV programs we watch or the newspapers we read usually show our interests.

(g) Attitude
Meaning:

Attitude is the positive or negative way we think or feel about people, objects, or
situations.

People behave according to their attitudes, and these attitudes also influence their
perception.

Prejudice is a common example of attitude affecting perception.

3. Social Factors
Meaning:
Social factors are the influences of society and the people around us on our
perception.

Since human beings are social by nature, they need acceptance, support, and security
from society. Therefore, social factors play an important role in shaping perception.

The main social factors are:

(a) Social Values

Meaning:

Every society has its own values and standards that tell people what is right or wrong and
what deserves reward or punishment.

People usually follow these values, and they influence the way they perceive the world.

(b) Social Beliefs

Meaning:

People usually follow the beliefs accepted by their society.

These beliefs have a strong influence on how individuals think and perceive different
situations.

(c) Customs and Rituals

Meaning:

Customs and rituals are the traditions and practices followed by a society.

Some rituals are related to religion, and people worship according to their own faith.

People also follow the customs, traditions, and cultural rules (taboos) of their society
and usually do not ignore them.

(d) Social Norms

Meaning:

Social norms are the rules of behavior accepted by society.

Some social norms are flexible, so they are not always followed strictly, and people may
not be punished for breaking them.

Even then, most people follow these norms to gain social approval and acceptance.

(e) National Laws

Meaning:

National laws are the official rules made by the government.

People follow these laws because breaking them can lead to punishment.

As a result, these laws also influence the way people think, behave, and perceive the
world.

Illusions
Meaning:

Illusions are errors of perception. They happen when we see, hear, or understand
something in the wrong way.

The word illusion comes from the Latin word "Illudere," which means "to mock at" or "to
deceive."

An illusion happens when our senses mislead us, causing us to experience a stimulus in a
way that is not actually correct.

Perceptual Problems
There are two main perceptual problems:

1. Illusion
2. Hallucination

Hallucination
Meaning:

Hallucination is a false perceptual experience that happens without any real external
stimulus.
In simple words, a person sees, hears, or feels something that does not actually exist.

Difference Between Illusion and Hallucination

Illusion
• Illusion is wrong or incorrect perception of a real object.
• In illusion, a real stimulus is present, but our brain understands it in the wrong
way.
• Illusions can happen in our normal daily life.

Hallucination
• In hallucination, there is no real object or stimulus.
• A person sees, hears, or feels things that do not exist.
• For example, hearing voices, sounds, or seeing people or objects that are not
actually there.

Attention
Meaning:

Attention is the state of focusing our mind on a particular object, event, or activity.

It is the readiness of our brain and nervous system to respond to a stimulus.

Kinds of Attention
There are three kinds of attention:

1. Passive Attention
2. Active (Focused) Attention
3. Secondary Passive Attention

1. Passive Attention
Meaning:
Passive attention happens when our attention is attracted automatically by the
qualities of a stimulus.

Large, bright, loud, or powerful objects attract our attention without any effort from us.

This type of attention is also called involuntary attention because it happens without our
choice.

Examples:

• A sudden loud sound

• Sharp pain
• Bright colors
• A flashing light

2. Active (Focused) Attention

Meaning:

Active attention happens when we consciously choose to focus on something.

In this type of attention, we use our own effort, interest, and willpower to pay attention.

The stimulus may not be strong, but we still focus on it because we want to.

This type is also called voluntary attention.

3. Secondary Passive Attention

Meaning:

At the beginning, many tasks need active attention and conscious effort.

However, after repeating the same task many times, it becomes a habit, and we perform
it with little effort.

This type of attention is called secondary passive attention or habitual attention.

It is also known as motivational attention.

Perception
Meaning:

Perception is the process of organizing and interpreting information to give it meaning.

Perception helps us understand, recognize, and make sense of the world around us by
giving meaning to the information we receive through our senses.