With respect to the trichromatic and the opponent-process theories of color perception,which of the following statements is most accurate?
A)The trichromatic theory has largely been discredited.
B)The opponent-process theory has largely been discredited.
C)Trichromatic process works within the retina itself; whereas opponent mechanisms operate both in the retina and at later stages of neuronal processing.
D)The opponent-process theory describes color processing early in the visual system; trichromatic theory describes color processing later on in the visual system.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The trichromatic theory suggests that there are three types of cones in the retina that are each most sensitive to a specific range of wavelengths. This theory is still widely accepted and has not been discredited. However, the opponent-process theory suggests that color vision is based on the activity of three opponent systems: red-green, blue-yellow, and black-white. These systems operate at multiple stages of the visual system, including the retina, thalamus, and visual cortex. Thus, choice C is the most accurate statement as it correctly describes the differences between the two theories.

With Respect to the Trichromatic and the Opponent-Process Theories of Color