Learning Objectives

1.) Explain what is meant by the statement "color is a psychological phenomenon, entirely subjective in nature?"

2.) Distinguish between the three qualities associated with color; hue, brightness, and saturation.

3.) Distinguish between pure and composite light and discuss why this distinction is important for the understanding of the process of color vision.

4.) Explain what is meant by color constancy and discuss the processes by which it is achieved.

5.) Discuss the univariance principle and distinguish between monochromatic, dichromatic, and trichromatic. Include in your discussion the implications of each for color vision.

6.) Distinguish between the three different cone pigment types and discuss the location and specific function of each.

7.) Discuss the evolutionary development of the cone photopigments.

8.) Discuss the evidence for the opponent-process theory of color vision proposed by Hering in the nineteenth century and contrast it with the Young-Helmholtz theory.

9.) Explain the physiological basis of the opponent-process theory and discuss the possible advantages of such a biological process for color vision.

10.) Specify the brain regions thought to be involved in color vision and discuss the ramifications of sustaining damage to these regions.

11.) Discuss the various forms of color vision deficiency and the underlying causes of each.