Which theory of color vision BEST explains why the color of an afterimage is the complement of the original color?
A) the trichromatic theory
B) the opponent process theory
C) both theories explain this phenomenon equally well
D) neither theory adequately explains this phenomenon

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the opponent process theory, color vision is based on three opponent color channels: red-green, blue-yellow, and black-white. When one color is perceived, the opponent color is suppressed. For example, if you stare at a green object for a long time, the cells that respond to green become fatigued and stop firing, leading to a "green afterimage." However, because the opponent color (red) is not being stimulated, the cells that respond to red become more active and create the perception of a red afterimage. Therefore, the afterimage is the complement of the original color, as predicted by the opponent process theory.

Which Theory of Color Vision BEST Explains Why the Color