Basic Vision: An Introduction to Visual Perception

How do we spot a familiar face from across a crowded room, and know that we're not waving to a complete stranger? How can we judge that an oncoming car is approaching too fast for us to cross the road safely, and immediately determine that we're better off waiting at the curb?

Basic Vision: An Introduction to Visual Perception demystifies the processes through which the brain "sees." It leads us through the various elements that come together in our perception of the world around us: size, color, motion, and three-dimensional space. The book illustrates the intricacy of the visual system, discussing its development during infancy, and reveals how the brain can get it wrong. It also demonstrates the importance of contemporary techniques and methodology--neuroscience-based techniques in particular--in advancing our understanding of the visual system.

With a sense of enthusiasm for the subject that pervades the book, Basic Vision is ideal for undergraduate courses in visual perception.

Online Resource Center:

For Lecturers:


· Downloadable figures to facilitate lecture preparation


· Customizable course outlines and student handouts, to facilitate lecture delivery


· Test bank of multiple-choice questions - a readily available tool for either formative or summative assessment

For Students:


· Annotated web links that provide ready access to additional learning resources


· Update section that links to websites and journal articles covering developments in the field since the book published