A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which area of psychology does the Gibson and Walk research primarily fall under?

1. Behavioral Psychology

2. Cognitive Psychology

3. Developmental Psychology

4. Sociocultural Psychology

The correct answer is: Cognitive Psychology

The research conducted by Gibson and Walk, often referred to as the "Visual Cliff" experiment, primarily falls under cognitive psychology. This study aimed to investigate depth perception in infants and animals, shedding light on how individuals perceive and interpret their environment. By examining how infants react to visual cues related to depth, the research contributes to our understanding of perceptual processes—a central focus of cognitive psychology. Cognitive psychology explores mental processes such as perception, memory, and decision-making. The findings from Gibson and Walk's research revealed significant insights into how organisms respond to visual stimuli, thereby informing our comprehension of cognitive development related to perception. This makes it a pivotal study in the discipline that emphasizes mental functions and their impact on behavior.