A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

According to the findings, which cues are considered innate versus learned in depth perception?

1. All cues are learned

2. Monocular cues are innate, binocular are learned

3. Binocular cues are innate, monocular are learned

4. Neither type of cue is innate

The correct answer is: Binocular cues are innate, monocular are learned

The reasoning for the assertion that binocular cues are innate while monocular cues are learned is grounded in developmental psychology and research on visual perception. Binocular cues, which rely on the different angles of vision from each eye, are thought to be innate because they emerge early in life and are crucial for depth perception as an organism develops. They are essential for understanding three-dimensional space and distance, and research suggests that even infants exhibit depth perception abilities linked to these cues. In contrast, monocular cues, which can be perceived with only one eye and include elements like motion parallax, linear perspective, and interposition, involve experience and learning. These cues require familiarity with environmental context and are developed over time as individuals interact with their surroundings. Thus, the learning aspect is rooted in the need to interpret visual information effectively based on prior experience. This distinction emphasizes the idea that while some visual cues may be hardwired within our perceptual system, others necessitate a learning process informed by experience.