Issues and Methods in Cognitive Science

Problem Set 3, Due Tues. April 1, 2003

3.1 In class, we saw a variety of ideas about how different aspects of vision could be treated as computational problems. Consider the processes of (for instance) edge detection, depth perception, and object recognition as discussed in the readings and in class from the standpoint of optical illusions. In other words, what sorts of illusions highlight the properties (or potential "weak spots") in our visual algorithms?

3.2 Based on the readings from Tye, Pinker, and Pylyshyn, and the material presented in class, discuss several experimental phenomena from the literature on mental imagery. Try to present alternative interpretations (i.e., "visual-imagery-oriented' vs. "symbol-oriented" -- or, if you prefer, "non-visual-imagery-oriented") of at least two of these.