Visual Perception and Visual Illusions from Coursera

Vision is one of the main ways for us to gather information about the world around us and about ourselves. Thus, studying vision naturally leads to new hypotheses on how cognition works. This way, our course on visual perception will also provide you with knowledge on cerebral mechanisms of vision, sensory systems and, in general, on how the mind and consciousness work. This course is aimed at everyone who is interested in perceptual psychology, in particular, psychology of visual perception. The course discusses different theoretical approaches to studying vision, introduces the most important concepts and experimental results. The material is selected in such a way that the course is interesting and accessible for both students who study psychology and general audience without special knowledge in this area. The course includes lectures, presentations and graded tests. Each student will be required to perform a small research project to be submitted by the end of the course.

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Introduces concepts and results used for studying vision, sensory systems, mind, and consciousness

Designed for students and non-specialists in psychology

Requires a small research project

Reviews summary

Disorganized, poor quality course

Visual Perception and Visual Illusions receives very negative feedback from students. Reviewers feel that the course is not well organized, and the lectures are long yet lacking in valuable information. The videos are mostly in Russian with no subtitles. Students also note there are not any discussions or assignments.

Career center

Learners who complete Visual Perception and Visual Illusions will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Vision Scientist

Vision scientists conduct research on the visual system and how it functions. They use a variety of techniques, including psychophysics, neuroimaging, and computational modeling, to understand how we see and perceive the world around us. The course is highly relevant to Vision Scientists, providing a comprehensive overview of visual perception and visual illusions. The course's emphasis on experimental results and research methods is particularly valuable for those pursuing a career in vision science.

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Perception Researcher

Perception researchers study how people perceive and interpret sensory information. They investigate topics such as visual perception, auditory perception, and somatosensory perception. The course can be helpful for Perception Researchers, providing a solid foundation in visual perception and illusions. The course's emphasis on experimental results and research methods is particularly valuable for those interested in pursuing a career in perception research.

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Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychology is a branch of psychology concerned with the relation between brain functions and psychological processes. Neuropsychologists apply their expertise to understand, diagnose, and treat a variety of conditions, from traumatic brain injuries to neurodegenerative diseases. The course, Visual Perception and Visual Illusions, is useful for Neuropsychologists because it provides a comprehensive overview of how the brain processes visual information. This understanding is essential for diagnosing and treating visual disorders and conditions.

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User Experience Designer

User experience designers create products and services that are easy to use and enjoyable to interact with. They apply their knowledge of human factors and psychology to design interfaces, products, and systems. The course can be useful for User Experience Designers, providing insights into how people perceive and interact with visual information. This understanding is crucial for designing user interfaces and products that are intuitive, efficient, and visually appealing.

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Cognitive Psychologist

Cognitive psychologists study mental processes, such as attention, language, memory, and thinking. They investigate how these processes develop and function and how they are affected by various factors, such as culture and environment. The course, with its emphasis on cognition and vision, is relevant to Cognitive Psychologists. The course provides a foundation in the study of visual perception and illusions, which can be applied to understanding other cognitive processes.

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Ergonomist

Ergonomists design and evaluate workplaces, products, and systems to fit the human body and its cognitive abilities. They apply their knowledge of human factors to improve safety, productivity, and comfort. The course, with its focus on visual perception, is helpful to Ergonomists as it provides insight into how people perceive and interact with their environment. This understanding is crucial for designing workplaces and products that are safe, efficient, and user-friendly.

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Market Researcher

Market researchers conduct research to understand consumer behavior and preferences. They use a variety of methods, such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups, to gather data and insights. The course can be helpful for Market Researchers, providing a foundation in understanding visual perception and illusions. This knowledge can be applied to designing surveys and questionnaires, conducting interviews, and analyzing data.

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Optometrist

Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide primary eye care. They perform eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, and diagnose and treat eye diseases. The course is helpful for Optometrists as it provides a foundation in understanding visual perception and illusions. This knowledge is essential for diagnosing and treating visual disorders and conditions, and for providing optimal eye care to patients.

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Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and disorders. They perform eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, and perform surgeries to correct vision problems. The course, Visual Perception and Visual Illusions, is relevant for Ophthalmologists as it enhances their understanding of the visual system and how it functions. This knowledge is essential for diagnosing and treating various eye conditions and disorders.

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Photographer

Photographers capture images of people, places, and events. They use their knowledge of composition, lighting, and exposure to create visually appealing and meaningful images. The course is helpful for Photographers, providing insights into how people perceive and interpret visual information. This understanding can be applied to composing and capturing more effective and engaging photographs.

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Graphic designer

Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as brochures, magazines, and websites. The course is relevant for Graphic Designers, providing a foundation in visual perception and illusions. This knowledge can be applied to creating visually appealing and effective designs.

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Art Therapist

Art therapists use art and creative expression to help people improve their mental and emotional well-being. They work with individuals and groups to address a variety of issues, such as trauma, grief, and anxiety. The course can be useful for Art Therapists, providing insights into how people perceive and interpret visual information. This understanding can be applied to developing art therapy interventions and activities.

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Teacher

Teachers provide instruction to students in a variety of subjects, including science, math, and social studies. They develop lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student learning. The course may be useful for Teachers, providing a foundation in visual perception and illusions. This knowledge can be applied to creating engaging and effective lesson plans and activities.

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Museum curator

Museum curators are responsible for the care and display of museum collections. They conduct research, develop exhibitions, and educate the public about the museum's collection. The course may be useful for Museum Curators, providing insights into how people perceive and interact with visual information. This understanding can be applied to designing and curating exhibitions that are engaging and educational for visitors.

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Interior designer

Interior designers create the interior spaces of buildings, including homes, offices, and public spaces. They use their knowledge of design, space planning, and materials to create visually appealing and functional spaces. The course may be helpful for Interior Designers, providing insights into how people perceive and interact with visual information. This understanding can be applied to creating interior designs that are visually appealing and functional.

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Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Visual Perception and Visual Illusions.

Language, Cognition, and Human Nature

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of visual perception, covering the major theoretical approaches, experimental methods, and empirical findings. It is an excellent resource for students who are new to the study of visual perception.

Language, Cognition, and Human Nature

Paperback

Language, Cognition, and Human Nature: Selected...

Kindle Edition

From Hand to Mouth

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This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of vision. It valuable resource for students and researchers who are interested in learning more about this topic.

From Hand to Mouth: The Origins of Language

Kindle Edition

Key Ideas in Psychology

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Provides a comprehensive review of the literature on visual memory. It valuable resource for students and researchers who are interested in learning more about this topic.

Key Ideas in Psychology

Kindle Edition

The Unification of the Arts

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Provides a clear and concise introduction to the field of visual cognition. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basic mechanisms of visual perception to the cognitive processes involved in object recognition and scene perception.

The Unification of the Arts: A Framework for...

Kindle Edition

$$$

Perception

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This two-volume handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the art in visual perception research. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basic mechanisms of vision to the cognitive processes involved in object recognition and scene perception.

Perception: How Our Bodies Shape Our Minds

Hardcover

Perception: How Our Bodies Shape Our Minds

Kindle Edition

Space, Time, World

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the science of illusions. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basic mechanisms of perception to the cognitive processes involved in creating and experiencing illusions.

Space, Time, World (Human Cognitive Processing, 77)

Hardcover

$$$$

Eye and Brain

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Classic work on the subject of visual illusions. It provides a fascinating exploration of the different types of illusions and their underlying causes.

Eye and Brain: The Psychology of Seeing - Fifth...

Paperback

Eye and Brain: The Psychology of Seeing - Fifth...

Kindle Edition

A Strange Wilderness

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Fascinating exploration of the world of mathematical illusions. It provides a unique perspective on the nature of perception and the relationship between mathematics and the human mind.

A Strange Wilderness: The Lives of the Great...

Kindle Edition

Visual Perception and Visual Illusions

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Reviews summary

Disorganized, poor quality course

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