scotopic vision

vision that occurs in dim light by means of the retinal rod system. Because scotopic vision does not permit color discrimination, the visual scene appears in gray scale. However, the closer the illumination of a target is to 510 nm in wavelength, the brighter it will appear relative to other targets with the same energy, since this is the peak wavelength sensitivity for the rod system. Also called twilight vision. Compare photopic vision.

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Psychology term of the day

November 17th 2024

disidentification

1. a protective mechanism whereby one removes a potentially harmful characteristic or experience (e.g., one that causes stereotype threat) from one’s self-identity as insulation from anxiety or failure.

2. in meditation, a benign separation from one’s sense of self in order to gain self-knowledge. It is a stepping away from self-identity to attempt to observe oneself objectively.