Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Inverses Projektionsproblem / Español: Problema de proyección inversa / Português: Problema de projeção inversa / Français: Problème de projection inverse / Italiano: Problema di proiezione inversa /

Inverse projection problem is the idea that a particular image on the retina could have been caused by an infinite number of different objects. Thus, the retinal image does not unambiguously specify a stimulus.

The inverse projection problem is a phenomenon in perception psychology that refers to the challenge of determining the objects and properties in the environment that produced a particular sensory input. It arises because multiple physical objects in the world can produce the same sensory input, making it difficult for the brain to determine the exact source of the input.

Here are some examples of the inverse projection problem:

1. Vision: When we see an image of an object, our brain must interpret the image to determine the shape, size, color, and other properties of the object that produced the image. However, different objects can produce the same image, making it difficult for the brain to determine the exact properties of the object. For example, an image of a circular disk could be produced by a flat disk viewed at an angle, or by a cylindrical object viewed head-on.

2. Audition: Similarly, when we hear a sound, our brain must determine the source of the sound in the environment. However, multiple objects can produce the same sound, making it difficult for the brain to determine the exact source of the sound. For example, a sound of a car engine could be produced by multiple cars, or by other types of machinery.

3. Touch: When we touch an object, our brain must determine the texture, shape, and other properties of the object based on the sensory input from our skin. However, different objects can produce similar sensory inputs, making it difficult for the brain to determine the exact properties of the object. For example, a smooth surface could be produced by multiple types of materials, including metal, glass, and plastic.

The inverse projection problem is a fundamental challenge in perception psychology. It underscores the complexity of the brain's ability to interpret sensory information and highlights the importance of context and prior knowledge in perception. To overcome the inverse projection problem, the brain uses various cues, such as depth cues, texture, and context, to infer the properties of objects in the environment.