Perception is a fast, automatic, unconcious process by which we recognise what is represented by the information provided by our sense organs.(Sarma, 2010) Not only are we able to recognise the shapes of objects in our surroundings but also their precise location and movements. Depth perception is an important aspect of perception as it helps one realise the distance of different objects from themselves and others. This essay will cover two cues of depth perception and they are Binocular cues and Monocular cues. Binocular refers to two eyes and monocular refers to one eye. Using these cues in this essay will help outline how a miniature toy car close up and a regular sized car far away can appear to be the same size to the human eye.
As previously stated above, binocular cues are cues that require two eyes. An example of a binocular cue is convergence. This is when the eyes converge on an object. If the angle between the eyes is great, the object is further away. If the angle is smaller, the object is closer. This cue helps the brain percieve the distance of the object. In relation to the toy car and regular car in question, convergence highlights the difference in the distances of the cars due to the size of the angles created by the eyes. For example, if one were to look at the toy car, their eyes would be turned slightly inward as it is closer, where as when looking at the regular car there eyes are focused more in a straight line.(Sarma, 2010)
Another binocular cue that can be applied to this question is retinal disparity, also known as binocular disparity. This is also important in the perception of distance. Retinal disparity occurs when two images at different distances from the person looking provide different retinal images.(Gleitman, 2010)Retinal disparity can also cause the perception of depth. This is called stereopsis. An experiment was carried out in 1965 which proved that when using a stereoscope on images depth can be percieved as a result...