A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What observation was made regarding the visual experience of dark-reared kittens over time?

1. They quickly adapted to bright light

2. They continued to avoid the shallow side

3. They eventually preferred the shallow side when exposed to light

4. They had no change in behavior regardless of exposure

The correct answer is: They eventually preferred the shallow side when exposed to light

The observation that dark-reared kittens eventually preferred the shallow side when exposed to light is rooted in the principles of perceptual development. Kittens that are raised in darkness lack the visual experience necessary to develop normal vision. When subsequently exposed to light, their visual system begins to adapt, showing that their experiences during the critical period of development influence their preferences and behaviors. In the context of this experiment, the shallow side of a visual environment often represents a more familiar or less threatening scenario for animals that have not developed a full understanding of spatial depth and visual cues. As these kittens start to explore and adjust to the presence of light, their visual systems begin to process depth perception and they may shift their preference towards the shallow side, which is easier for them to navigate. This change indicates that sensory experiences during the crucial developmental phase greatly impact behavior and visual processing. The incorrect options highlight different aspects of kitten behavior in light exposure. Some kittens might not quickly adapt to bright light due to their prior dark environment, and their behavior of avoiding shallower areas might persist initially due to the lack of familiarity. However, through exposure to light, their visual and navigational abilities develop, leading to the eventual preference for the shallow side. Thus, the observation reflects the capacity for