The mechanisms of size constancy

Sperandio, Irene and Chouinard, Philippe A. (2015) The mechanisms of size constancy. Multisensory Research, 28 (3-4). 253–283. ISSN 2213-4794

Microsoft Word (Sperandio_Chouinard_Revised) - Accepted Version Download (130kB)

Abstract

Size constancy is the result of cognitive scaling operations that enable us to perceive an object as having the same size when presented at different viewing distances. In this article, we review the literature on size and distance perception to form an overarching synthesis of how the brain might combine retinal images and distance cues of retinal and extra-retinal origin to produce a perceptual visual experience of a world where objects have a constant size. A convergence of evidence from visual psychophysics, neurophysiology, neuropsychology, electrophysiology and neuroimaging highlight the primary visual cortex (V1) as an important node in mediating size-distance scaling. It is now evident that this brain area is involved in the integration of multiple signals for the purposes of size perception and does much more than fulfil the role of an entry position in a series of hierarchical cortical events. We also discuss how information from other sensory modalities can also contribute to size-distance scaling and shape our perceptual visual experience.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	size perception,size-distance scaling,visual illusions,emmert's law,extra-retinal signals,primary visual cortex
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	27 Feb 2015 16:30
Last Modified:	21 Oct 2022 00:38
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/52503
DOI:	10.1163/22134808-00002483

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item