University of Central Florida (UCF) PSY4604 History and Systems of Psychology Practice Exam 2

The process of perceiving three-dimensional objects involves a series of stages that reflect how we interpret sensory information. According to Lotze, after the initial stage of registering two-dimensional sensations, the next critical step is the integration of local signs for depth interpretation. This means that the brain combines various cues from the visual input, such as retinal disparity and motion parallax, to discern depth and distance in the three-dimensional space.

Integrating local signs allows for the construction of a coherent three-dimensional perception, enabling individuals to understand spatial relationships among objects, which is essential for navigation and interaction in the environment. This ability to interpret depth cues is fundamental in forming a complete and accurate perception of our surroundings.

In contrast, loss of depth perception refers to a diminished ability to perceive depth, which does not follow the stage of registering 2D sensations. Perception of color involves identifying hues and shades but is not directly responsible for constructing depth perception, and recognition of visual patterns is about identifying shapes or configurations rather than integrating depth cues. Therefore, the integration of local signs for depth interpretation is the appropriate next stage in this visual processing sequence.