In a research experiment, participants are shown a series of drawings before seeing an ambiguous picture that could be perceived as a rat or a man. Group 1 sees drawings of animals, while Group 2 sees drawings of humans. Perceptual set suggests which of the following results when participants are shown the ambiguous picture?
A)Both groups will report seeing a man.
B)Both groups will report seeing a rat.
C)Group 1 will report seeing a rat, while Group 2 will report seeing a man.
D)Group 1 will report seeing a man, while Group 2 will report seeing a rat.
E)Neither group will see a rat or a man, since the picture is ambiguous.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Perceptual set theory suggests that what we expect to see influences our perception. Therefore, Group 1, having been primed with images of animals, is more likely to see a rat, and Group 2, having been primed with images of humans, is more likely to see a man in the ambiguous picture.

In a Research Experiment, Participants Are Shown a Series of Drawings