Description
Opponent process theory is a color theory that states that the human visual system interprets information about color by processing signals from photoreceptor cells in an antagonistic manner. The opponent-process theory suggests that there are three opponent channels, each comprising an opposing color pair: red versus green, blue versus yellow, and black versus white (luminance). The theory was first proposed in 1892 by the German physiologist Ewald Hering.
Opponent Process Theory suggested by Solomon where emotional reactions to a stimulus are followed by opposite emotional reactions. This theory may explain why stunt people enjoy their work. First the individual will feel intense anxiety before performing a stunt and then the person will receive an opposite reaction of relief after the stunt is completed. The theory also postulates that repeated exposure to the stimulus will cause less of an initial reaction and a stronger opposing reaction. This may explain why drugs, such as opiates, give diminishing returns after prolonged use yet the effects of withdraw become more intensified and unpleasant.
Definition
Opponent process theory is a psychophysical theory of color vision that states that the human visual system interprets information about color by processing signals from photoreceptor cells in an antagonistic manner. The opponent-process theory suggests that there are three opponent channels, each comprising an opposing color pair: red versus green, blue versus yellow, and black versus white (luminance).
History
The opponent-process theory was first proposed by Ewald Hering in 1892. Hering was a German physiologist who was interested in the nature of color vision. He noticed that there are certain color combinations that we never see, such as reddish-green or bluish-yellow. This led him to believe that color perception is not simply a matter of adding up the signals from different photoreceptor cells. Instead, he proposed that color perception is controlled by the activity of three opponent systems.
Characteristics
The opponent-process theory has a number of characteristics, including:
- It is a psychophysical theory, which means that it is based on both physiological and psychological evidence.
- It suggests that there are three opponent channels, each comprising an opposing color pair.
- It can explain a number of phenomena, such as afterimages, color constancy, and color blindness.
References
- Hering, E. (1892). Zur theorie der sinnesempfindungen. Leipzig: Wilhelm Engelmann.
- Hurvich, L. M., & Jameson, D. (1957). Some quantitative aspects of opponent-colors theory. Psychological Review, 64(6), 384-404.
- Katz, D. (1935). The world of color. London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co.
- Lennie, P. (2000). Color vision. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 23, 477-504.
- Pokorny, J., Smith, V. C., & Walraven, B. L. (1977). Chromatic adaptation. Vision Research, 17(11), 1123-1131.