local–global distinction

the difference between perceiving a whole form and perceiving the subunits that make up that form. For example, if a large letter S is formed from an arrangement of small letter ps, perception is at the local level if it focuses on the ps and at the global level if it focuses on the S.

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Psychology term of the day

May 8th 2024

ontogeny

n. the biological origin and development of an individual organism from fertilization of the egg cell until death. Also called ontogenesis. Compare phylogeny. See also recapitulation theory. —ontogenetic adj.