Psy 348:  Cognition and Perception

Exam 1, Part 2 Fall 2008

(Note:  Part 1 was the Ad analysis essay)

Respond to either one of the following items.  Your essay should be around 4 pages, printed, double-spaced.   Scan your essay for spelling, grammar, and syntax, since errors in those domains are highly inappropriate in upper class work, and will adversely affect your grade. 

#1

Several perceptual problems related to vision led the majority of western philosophers and psychologists to assume that vision is not inherently veridical and thus must be “corrected” by the mind.  Much of the “nativist – empiricist” debate, questions about depth perception (especially the role of the retinal image), and the role of illusions in perception arise from that assumption.  Describe these problems, and summarize and comment critically on relevant philosophical/psychological positions & empirical research.  Be sure to include the names of relevant major theorists & researchers in your text. 

#2

In the 1970’s and 1980’s a new perspective in perceptual theory (“Direct Perception”) challenged the traditional perspective (“Indirect Perception”) that perception must be constructed via mental processes.  Compare and contrast the two perspectives, with strong critical comments, in their accounts of how perception works and their rationales for their arguments.  Include evidence or examples that support each position.   Be sure to include the names of relevant major theorists & researchers in your text. 

Suggestions:

Frame your essay with strong opening and closing paragraphs.  The opening paragraph should be a compelling/interesting (i.e., "attention-catching") lead-in to your overall thesis about your topic.  The closing should bring the reader back to your overall thesis, with summary critical comments &/or other final remarks that are also interesting/compelling.  Good writers often go back and revise the opening considerably, after they have drafted the main body of the paper, so they can focus the opening on their major ideas.

NOTE:  Lengthy quotations from the internet or other sources are not appropriate in formal social science writing.  Take information from your sources and put it into your own words.  Include a list of your sources at the end of your essay (e.g., WWW addresses, names of books, etc.)   

The essay is due in class on Tuesday, Oct 21.  Late submissions will be penalized at the rate of 5% of the grade per school day.