Context effects

"THE CAT" is a classic example of context effect. We have little trouble reading "H" and "A" in their appropriate contexts, even though they take on the same form in each word.

Context effect is the aspect of cognitive psychology that describes the influence of environmental factors on one's perception of a stimulus. The concept is supported by the theoretical approach to perception known as constructive perception. This top-down theory indicates cognitive use of sensory information to construct a completed perception and works in opposition to bottom-up approaches.

Context effects can come in several forms, including configural superiority effect which demonstrates varying degrees of spatial recognition depending on if stimuli are present in an organized configuration or present in isolation. For example, one may recognize a fully composed object faster than its individual parts (object-superiority effect).

See also

• Constructive perception
• Visual perception
• Top-down and bottom-up design