Visual Perception and Visual Imagery Essay - 3152 Words

If visual imagery and visual perception shared many of the same processes, then much of what is known to date about perception may be used and adapted to be able to understand the more internal and ambiguous process of visual imagery. The question is how much of mental imagery is actually a part of visual perception? The concept of a ‘unitary mechanism’ has been recurrently mentioned in the text, although little has been said about what it means and implies. This is a term coined by Stephen Kosslyn (2005), he provided a model of visual imagery in which a single visual buffer is used â€Å"bottom-up† to display visual percepts and â€Å"top-down† to display internally generated images. The main claim is that the brain areas that implement the†¦show more content†¦Another type of research is single case studies in which double dissociations have gravely challenged the model, such cases involve patients in which imagery was impaired and perception was speared and vice versa (Shallice, 1988). Although measures of haemodynamic activity and brain lesion studies provide some insightful information on the issue, other behavioural data is necessary to understand whether visual imagery is processed in the same way as perception. Finke and Pinker (1982) used reaction times as a ‘mental tape measure’ in which participants were required to look at an array of dots, once the dots disappeared and an arrow appeared, participants were requested to indicate whether the arrow was pointing at a previous dot or not. If the distance of the arrow was increased than the reaction time was expected to increase while one imagines scanning the image. This final research begs for the question, would eye movements show the same pattern of ‘scanning’? If visual perception and visual imagery have so much in common, than we might expect that the eye sequences present in visual perception will also be present and similar in visual imagery. There is strong evidence that this is in fact true, several studies show that spontaneous eye movements occur during visual imagery and in most of the studies the movements reflect the content and spatial relations of the originally perceived object. In a study by Brandt and Stark (1997) theShow MoreRelatedVisual Mental Imagery and the Average Subject Essay1133 Words   |  5 Pagespsychology of human behaviour, individual differences can easily get lost and brushed off as noise to data. Much of previous research has been concerned with the general processes of the ‘normal’ population such as learning, thinking, memory and perception. It is through this research on ‘average’ behaviour that general theories have been formulated, tested and retested, which led to a greater understanding of the underlying cognitive processes of the human mind. However, while many researchers areRead More Visual Form Agnosia Essay1569 Words   |  7 PagesVisual form agnosia is defined as the inability to recognize objects (Goldstein, 2010). To understand the basic concept of visual form agnosia, it is important to first understand that perception and recognition are separate processes. Perception is defined as the ability to become aware of something through our senses, and recognition is the ability to put an object in a group that gives the item meaning. When a person suffers from visual form agnosia, they are generally able to identify the itemRead MoreMiltons Telescope Trope: Vision and Spiritual Wisdom1569 Words   |  6 Pagesthe outlines of which dissolve while they are being watched. These visual scenarios, often constructed through a Miltonic simile, include the moon observed through Galileo’s telescope (I, 287–91); Satan surveying the cosmic panorama of the created world (III, 555–73); Galileo’s telescope that reappears â€Å"less assured† (III, 588–90; V, 261–3); and finally, a man following a wandering light into the marshes (IX, 634–42). The visual allure of these similes is drawn in part by the description of a naturalRead MoreThe Impact Of Visual Literacy On Today s Technology913 Words   |  4 PagesImpact of Visual Literacy in Today’s Technology Why is visual literacy important in today’s technology and how does it affect our day-to-day lifestyle. As we walk about our daily, commute how does visual literacy compare and contrast in our stride. Can we describe how visual literacy reflects as universal language in our lifestyle? What does the impact of visual literacy have on the communication and global understanding of it as well? Visual literacy can portray itself through so many channelsRead MoreUse of Imagery and Figurative Language in â€Å"Facing It† by Yusef Komunyakaa1031 Words   |  5 PagesUse of Imagery and Figurative Language in â€Å"Facing It† by Yusef Komunyakaa In his poem, â€Å"Facing It†, Yusef Komunyakaa describes his ambivalent emotions towards the Vietnam War of which he was a veteran. Reflecting on his experiences, Yusef expresses his conflicting feelings about the Vietnam War and his feelings about how racism has played a part in America’s history. By using visual imagery and metaphoric language throughout the poem, Yusef is able to reflect the sad and confused emotions heRead MoreAnalysis Of The Poem At The Round Earth s Imagined Corners 908 Words   |  4 Pagessources of imagery to enhance the reader’s perception of the poem. For example, the speaker states in lines one through two, â€Å" blow your trumpets, angels, and arise, arise. This type of imagery uses visual and auditory signals. The trumpets are sounding as the angels are floating up from death. Next, the poet uses another key source of imagery. For example, the poet states in line five, â€Å" All whom the flood did, and fire shall O’ erthrow.† This particular statement by the speaker uses visual, olfactoryRead MoreOliver Sacks Essay1652 Words   |  7 Pagescompletely blind by age forty eight yet is still able to train his mind and brain to both run each other even without their vision by learning to compensate. Sacks believes that Hull is a great example of how an individual deprived of one form of perception could totally reshape himself to a new identity. In Hull’s case his brain signals were fine but it wasn’t registering in his mind so in the end he lost complete remembrance of sight even though he retained sight for his first thirty eight yearsRead MoreThe Connection between Sentence Comprehension and Motor Representations1321 Words   |  5 Pageswalk) and nouns of manipulable objects (e.g.. mug) activate regions on the motor cortex. This event is recognized as motor resonance. However, this phenomenon challenges present theoretical explanation of word comprehension. There are two do minant perceptions which are followed in cognitive psychology. The first account is that individuals understand words such as â€Å"chew† from previous practice; therefore, for one to comprehend a word they must consider the prior actions and experiences that are connectedRead More Visual Hallucinations: Another Argument for Brain Equals Behavior1031 Words   |  5 PagesVisual Hallucinations: Another Argument for Brain Equals Behavior A hallucination is defined as a sensory perception in the absence of an externally generated stimulus (4). They are different from illusions in that in an illusion an external object actually exists and is perceived, but is misinterpreted by the individual (4). Main forms of hallucinations are be visual, auditory, and olfactory, but since we have been discussing vision and interpretation of reality lately this paper will focusRead MoreDistinctively Visual1100 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Distinctively Visual The distinctively visual is a prominent characteristic in which the composer shapes a unique visual perspective for the responder to interpret. Using a variety of techniques and languages, the composer is distinctively able to create vibrant and lively visualisations within their work. The poetry of Douglas Stewart, in particular ‘Lady feeding the cats’ and ‘Nesting time’ and the image of ‘’Firefighters at twin towers attack’’ photographed by Todd Maisel are particularly effective

Development of Evolution Concept Free Essays

It is a matter of fact that history of evolution is very long and contradictive. The concept of evolution has existed even since ancient times and is being developing nowadays. Modern theory of evolutionary thought was established in 18th-19th centuries. We will write a custom essay sample on Development of Evolution Concept or any similar topic only for you Order Now Many outstanding and famous scientists contributed the evolutionary thought and interpreted it in their own way. As it was mentioned above, the concept of evolution appeared and was strongly supported in ancient time by Anaximander, Democritus, Epicurus and Empedocles. Those Greek philosophers made the first attempt to explain the concept of evolution suggesting that humans, sun, earth life and civilization emerged from â€Å"aeons without divine intervention†. (Bowler 2003, 23) The Roman philosopher Lucretius described life development in stages starting from atoms collisions and ending with succession of animals and less brutish humans. Nevertheless, evolutionary thoughts died in Europe after the Roman Empire had fallen; however, the ideas were developed in Islamic countries. It is known that Al-Jahiz claimed that environment affected the animals’ survivals and it had to affect humans as well. Ibn al-Haitham argued even about the explicitly for evolutionism. (Bowler 2003) Matthew Hale in 1677 used the term â€Å"evolution† t attack the atomism of Epicurus and Democritus. He argued that their atomist theory and suggested that collisions and vibrations of atoms had formed not humans and animals, but semina that were â€Å"immediate, primitive, productive principles of men, animals, birds and fishes†. (Riddle 1954, 89) Hale called that mechanism absurdity. The concept of evolution was contributed also by German scientists including Schelling and Hegel. According to them evolution appears to be a fundamentally spiritual process involving both natural and divine interventions. They argued that evolution was â€Å"a self- disclosing revelation of the absolute†. (Riddle 1954, 89) In the early 18th century German scientist Leibniz suggested that the objects are caused by internal forces. He supported the idea of that evolution involved divine principles. He mentioned that universe couldn’t be formed without God’s works.  (Riddle 1954) In 1745 Pierre Maupertius suggested rather interesting concept considering that all the modern species are the smallest parts produced by the blind destiny. According to him â€Å"chance† has produced innumerable individuals; however only few individuals are able to satisfy their needs, whereas others perish. Therefore he presented the idea of natural selection further contributed by Charles Darwin. One more scientist Buffon suggested the mutability of species and underlined that organisms are influenced strongly by natural processes. In 1755 Kant, German philosopher and scientist predicted the theory that unformed matter develops into the highest types of plants and animals. Kant believed that modifications and variations were the response to â€Å"mechanical laws of the organisms themselves rather than to the influence of their surroundings†. (Bowler 2003, 120) Herder, for example, agreed with the concept of natural selection stating that struggle foe survival and existence played the major role in organic world, although the theme remained undeveloped and rather vague. In the early 19th century Wells assumed that evolution of humans is the principle of natural selection. It is known that Darwin was unaware of Wells’ suggestions and later he acknowledged that Wells was the first to promote the idea of natural selection in the evolutionary thought. In 1833 Charles Lyell emphasized the gradual variation of evolution, where each specie had â€Å"centre of creation and was diagnosed for habitat, but would go extinct when the habitat changed†. (Bowler 2003, 126) The concept was supported by Herschel outlined that natural laws played the most important role in species forming. Nevertheless, the most important contribution into development of evolutionary though was actually made by Charles Darwin. Darwin criticized the previous ideas about natural selection assuming they failed to propone the coherent philosophy and to suggest the proper mechanism of species variations. Darwin, in his turn, stated that species had arisen from the â€Å"selective actions of external conditions upon the variations from their specific type which individuals present and which is called spontaneous†. (West 1938, 147) The Darwin’s theory proved to be successful providing the useful statistical models of evolution. In the late 19th century evolutionary though was considerably contributed by the works of Gregor Mendel. He carried out series of experiments and in result provided models for inheritance based on the unit of gene. However, Mendel’s works remained unappreciated for many years and even ignored by biologists. Mendel’s works were â€Å"discovered† in 1990 and caused a conflict between Mendelians. (Riddle 1954) In 1970s the neutral theory of molecular evolution was presented by famous scientist Motoo Kimura who the first to establish the genetic drift and considered it a mechanism of evolution. One more interesting idea was generated by Lynn Margilus. He presented the theory of symboigenesis arguing that genetic drift and mutations are not enough to explain the concepts of evolution. In the theory Margulis stated that species emerged through the process of symbiosis. (Riddle 1954) In 1972 Stephen Gould suggested the theory of punctuated equilibrium. All the theories were followed by renewal of structuaralist themes in evolutionary ideology. For example, Brian Goodwin incorporated in his researches the ideas of systems theory along with cybernetics and thus emphasized the important role of natural selection. In 1995 Daniel Dennett argued that Darwin’s natural selection is â€Å"algorithmic process applicable to many circumstances besides biological evolution†. (Bowler 2003, 225) Such concept of evolution was called â€Å"universal Darwinism†. It is necessary to outline that the development of evolutionary thought was vivid, though contradictive. Lots of theories and concepts were developed to explain the evolution of human beings, but scientists failed to find the only satisfactory explanation. Nowadays some theories are disapproved, others are improved and followed. (Henderson 2000) How to cite Development of Evolution Concept, Papers

Under Age Drinking Essay Example For Students

Under Age Drinking Essay Everyone knows that it is illegal to consume alcohol until the age of 21. Many people are In agreement with this legal restriction. Some would even say that it needs to be raised. Why is 21 the magical age that makes one intelligent and mature enough to consume alcohol? Surely, some adults abuse alcohol and some teenagers would be perfectly able to drink responsibly. Many have asked the question, should the drinking age be lowered from age twenty-one to age eighteen. The national drinking age for men and woman should remain at age twenty-one. Before 1982 there was no national conformity in the laws dealing with alcohol consumption legal age. Each state had different laws and regulations set on the drinking age. In the mid-1980s this changed. The drinking age was set by federal law in the mid-1980s mostly because of pressure from Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD) (Dogan 1). This gave conformity throughout the nation with a national drinking law. Today there are many arguments put forth to justify attempts to lower the drinking age. One of the most prevalent arguments for the drinking age heard is, if were old enough to be sent to war and die we are old enough to drink alcohol (Heffernan 1). This argument has an underlined fallacy. When an eighteen-year-old youth is drafted into the military he is subjected to many months of rigorous training and preparation for his duties as a solider. Not only is he intensively trained, he is provided constant leadership. This is exactly the opposite of what happens when a youth reaches the legal age to drink. The youth is not trained or prepared to take on the burden of responsible drinking. Rather than provided leadership he is subjected to peer pressure encouraging him to act irresponsibly. The draft age and drinking age argument does not provide a convincing basis for a change in the law. A second argument often heard supporting a reduction in lowering the drinking age eighteen to twenty year old are going to drink anyway so lower the drinking age. The attached chart shows, Over 75% of eighth grade students have tried alcohol, and 55% of them have tried it by sixth grade While it is obvious that many teen-agers are breaking the law today, this is not advocating a change in the law. It has been argued that laws do not impact or change behavior, but there is strong circumstantial evidence that drinking-driving laws do make a difference. Laws are a statement of the views of society, and the increase of penalties given the clear message that drinking and driving is viewed as a crime against society (Tatman 1). The fact that laws are sometimes is not justification for changing the laws. Many supporters of a lowering of the legal alcohol age contend that eighteen or nineteen are mature enough to deal with alcohol. This argument is not supported by the facts. Over 40% of all the 16-to-20 year olds who died in 1994 were killed in car crashes. And about half of those were alcohol-related. Thats around 2,222 of your classmates, soccer rivals, prop queens, and friends who died because somebody chose to drink and drive (MADD 1). Statistics such as these support the contention that teen-agers are not ready to deal with consumption of alcohol, and the responsibilities that go with it.Category: Social Issues