AP Psychology Practice Test

How does interposition indicate depth?

1. By enhancing color contrast

2. By reducing visual noise

3. By showing objects moving closer

4. If one object partially blocks another, it is perceived as closer

The correct answer is: If one object partially blocks another, it is perceived as closer

Interposition is a depth cue that relies on the way objects relate to one another in the visual field. When one object partially blocks or obscures another object, it creates a visual cue that the obstructing object is closer to the observer. This phenomenon is due to the principle that objects further away will not obscure objects that are nearer, leading our brains to interpret the overlapping arrangement of the two objects as a relative spatial relationship. In this way, interposition effectively helps the brain construct a three-dimensional understanding of the scene being viewed, allowing us to perceive depth and distance from our vantage point. Recognizing that one object hides part of another gives us valuable information about their relative positions in space. This cue is particularly useful in everyday environments where visual overlap frequently occurs, aiding in navigation and understanding of surroundings.