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visual field

the extent of visual space over which vision is possible with the eyes held in a fixed position. In humans, the outer limit of vision for each eye extends approximately 60° nasally, 90° temporally, 50° superiorly, and 70° inferiorly. The extent varies with age: Very young children and older people have a smaller visual field. Objects nearest to the fixation point are seen with greatest clarity because visual acuity, spatial contrast sensitivity, and color vision are best in the foveal region.

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Psychology term of the day

January 20th 2025

three-mountains test

three-mountains test

a Piagetian task used to assess visual perspective taking in children. A doll is placed at various locations around a three-dimensional display of three mountains, and children must indicate how the doll sees the display. Children younger than 8 years old have difficulty performing this test correctly, although they are able to understand that others have a visual perspective that is different from their own when less complicated tasks are used.