brightness constancy

the tendency to perceive a familiar object as having the same brightness under different conditions of illumination. For example, a piece of white paper has a similar brightness in daylight as it does at dusk, even though the energy it reflects may be quite different. Brightness constancy is one of the perceptual constancies. Also called lightness constancy. See also color constancy; object constancy.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

January 27th 2025

psychopathy

1. a synonym for antisocial personality disorder.

2. formerly, any psychological disorder or mental disease. —psychopathic adj.