A person will perceive a coin as a circle, even if it is held at an angle to appear to the eye as an oval, because of

• A. shape constancy.
• B. size constancy.
• C. proximity.
• D. similarity

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the concept of 'shape constancy' in perception, which refers to the ability to perceive the shape of an object as constant even when its image on the retina changes due to the object's orientation.
2. Understand that 'shape constancy' is a type of perceptual constancy, which allows us to recognize objects regardless of changes in perspective, distance, or lighting.
3. Consider how the brain uses prior knowledge and contextual information to maintain a stable perception of an object's shape, despite changes in the visual input.
4. Differentiate 'shape constancy' from other types of constancy, such as 'size constancy,' which involves perceiving an object as having a constant size despite changes in distance.
5. Recognize that 'proximity' and 'similarity' are principles of Gestalt psychology that explain how we group elements in our perception, but they do not directly relate to the perception of an object's shape as constant.