A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What did the findings about dark-reared kittens suggest regarding depth perception?

1. Depth perception is entirely learned

2. Depth perception is solely dependent on visual cues

3. Depth perception has both innate and learned elements

4. Depth perception exists only after significant exposure to light

The correct answer is: Depth perception has both innate and learned elements

The findings regarding dark-reared kittens provide significant insight into the nature of depth perception, indicating that it involves a combination of both innate and learned elements. Research involving kittens raised in darkness showed that they were unable to develop proper depth perception, which illustrates that certain visual experiences are necessary for this ability to fully develop. Specifically, these kittens were deprived of visual stimuli during a critical period in their development, leading to deficits in their ability to gauge depth when subsequently exposed to light. This suggests that while there may be an innate foundation for depth perception, it heavily relies on visual experiences in the environment to refine and enhance those inherent capabilities. The idea that depth perception is entirely learned fails to account for the biological basis and critical periods for development that are evident in the research, while the notion that it is solely dependent on visual cues overlooks the potential innate factors involved. Lastly, stating that depth perception exists only after significant exposure to light ignores the fundamental role of early experiences and their interaction with inherent biological mechanisms. Therefore, understanding that depth perception is shaped by both innate factors and experiential learning captures the complexity of its development as illustrated by these findings.