perceptual rivalry

the incompatibility of different perceptions of the same object. When an ambiguous figure that allows two different perceptual interpretations is viewed, only one perceptual diagnosis can be made at any one time, so that perception alternates between the two rival interpretations. This switching between percepts is primarily involuntary.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

slow-wave sleep

deep sleep that is characterized by increasing percentages of particular types of delta waves on the electroencephalogram, corresponding to Stages 3 and 4 of NREM sleep. See also sleep stages.