Which statement contrasts Helmholtz's and Kant's theories of perception?

The chosen statement accurately contrasts Helmholtz's and Kant's theories of perception by highlighting Helmholtz's emphasis on prior sensory experiences as a foundation for interpreting new sensory information. Helmholtz's theory posits that perception is not a passive reception of sensory inputs but is actively constructed based on past experiences and learned associations. He argued that the mind synthesizes sensory data with knowledge acquired through experience to make sense of incoming stimuli.

In contrast, Kant's theory emphasizes the role of innate structures within the mind. He proposed that while sensory experience is crucial, our understanding of the world is shaped by pre-existing cognitive frameworks that we are born with. Kant believed that perception involves both sensory inputs and these innate categories of understanding but did not assert that prior sensory experiences were the main driving force behind perception.

Thus, identifying Helmholtz's focus on the importance of experience in shaping perception distinctly sets it apart from Kant's emphasis on innate knowledge and structures. This understanding of how perception is formed is crucial for differentiating the contributions of each theorist to the field of psychology.