Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Perceptual constancy principles refer to our ability to perceive objects as maintaining certain characteristics (such as size, shape, color) even when they appear differently due to variations in viewing conditions (such as distance or angle).
Size constancy: The perceptual constancy principle that allows us to perceive objects as maintaining their size regardless of variations in distance.
Shape constancy: The perceptual constancy principle that enables us to perceive objects as having the same shape even when viewed from different angles or orientations.
Color constancy: The perceptual constancy principle that allows us to perceive an object's color as relatively stable despite changes in lighting conditions.