Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Which of the following are true of perceptual constancy?
A. Shape
B. Illumination
C. Colour
D. Distance

Correct option is A

Perceptual constancy refers to the tendency of humans to perceive objects as stable and unchanging despite changes in sensory input. Let's analyze each statement:

Shape (A): This is true. Shape constancy is the perception of an object as having a consistent shape, even when its orientation or the angle from which it is viewed changes. For example, a door remains perceived as rectangular even when viewed from an angle, where its shape would look different to the eye.

Colour (C): This is true. Colour constancy is the perception that the colour of an object remains consistent even when the lighting conditions change. For example, a white piece of paper will still appear white under different types of light, despite the actual wavelengths of light being different.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (a) A and C only because shape and colour constancy are the primary forms of perceptual constancy.

Information Booster
a. Perceptual constancy helps us maintain a stable and consistent perception of objects, even as sensory inputs vary due to changes in light, angle, or distance.
b. The human brain compensates for environmental changes to ensure that objects are perceived as stable, enabling better interaction with the world.
c. Size constancy, similar to shape and colour constancy, allows us to perceive objects as having the same size despite changes in distance.
d. Brightness Constancy: The perception that the brightness of an object remains the same despite changes in illumination.