Basic Vision

How do we spot a familiar face from across a crowded room, and know that we're not waving to a complete stranger? How can we judge that the oncoming car is approaching too fast for us to cross the road safely, and we're better off waiting at the kerb? Basic Vision: An Introduction to Visual Perception demystifies the processes through which the brain 'sees'. It leads us through the various elements that come together as our perception of the world around us: the perception of size, colour, motion, and three-dimensional space. It illustrates the intricacy of the visual system, discussing its development during infancy, and revealing how the brain can get it wrong, either as a result of brain damage, through which the network of processes become compromised, or through illusion, where the brain compensates for mixed messages by seeing what it thinks should be there, rather than conveying the reality. The book also demonstrates the importance of contemporary techniques and methodology, and neuroscience-based techniques in particular, in driving forward our understanding of the visual system. With a sense of enthusiasm for the subject that pervades the book, Basic Vision will motivate and engage even the most reluctant learner, opening up to an undergraduate audience this stimulating yet challenging subject for the first time. Online Resource Centre: For Lecturers: Figures from the book available to download, to facilitate lecture preparation Customizable course outlines and student handouts, to facilitate lecture delivery Test bank of multiple choice questions - a readily available tool for either formative or summative assessment For the student: Annotated web links, giving students ready access to these additional learning resources Update section, giving links to web sites and journal articles to illustrate to the student developments in the field since the book published