iNSIGHT Interactive Demonstrations 4+

iNSIGHT is a curriculum supplement for experimental psychology, sensation and perception, vision science, and optometry lab classes. INTERACTIVE DEMONSTRATIONS illustrate various visual phenomena and allow students to manipulate the effects. Each app is complete with a quick-start guide, detailed instructions, background information, and one or more guided classroom exercises.

Form and Motion - The visual system is well suited to extracting information about the structure and form of objects on the basis of motion. In this demonstration, randomly-positioned dots, which contain no apparent structure when stationary, are animated to produce vivid perceptions of three-dimensional structures.

Spatial Vision - A process called Fourier analysis can be used to mathematically break down any image into a number of basic components. By manipulating these components and then reassembling them, a variety of visual effects can be achieved. This process demonstrates how our visual system analyzes images, and how different types of visual problems can affect our perception of shapes and edges.

Receptive Field Mapping - This is a demonstration of mapping the receptive fields of neurons in the visual system. Students play the role of a vision scientist trying to find the location and best stimulus for getting responses from individual visual cells.

Color Vision Test - This is an adaptation of a common clinical test for color vision disorders. Students arrange colored discs then analyze the results to identify color vision deficiencies.

Illusions and Aftereffects - Illusions are fun and interesting to view, but more importantly they provide insights into how our visual system works. By discovering ways in which the visual system can be “fooled,” we can learn something about the way we see. Some effects REQUIRE red-green or red-blue glasses.

Stereograms - Stereograms create an illusion of depth because slightly different images are presented to each eye. They simulate the real-world situation in which each eye views the world from a slightly different position. Different types of stereograms, including random-element, line, and stereo photographs are presented. REQUIRES red-green or red-blue glasses.

Mach Bands - Mach bands are an illusion produced by the communication between neighboring cells in the retina. Because nearby cells can inhibit each others’ responses (lateral inhibition), our perception of edges is enhanced. Learn how lateral inhibition can enhance edge perception, and create illusions that demonstrate Mach band effects.

Also available, in a separate app bundle, are iNSIGHT Experiments which are real psychophysical procedures (NOT simulations) that generate real data. To see how iNSIGHT works, try the FREE iNSIGHT Color Mixing app.

A printable PDF Student Guide that contains the exercises and other supporting materials, and a Teacher Guide are available at www.polyhedronlearning.com/see_apps_insight.html