The ability to perceive familiar objects as having a constant shape despite changes in viewing angle is referred to as what?

The ability to perceive familiar objects as having a constant shape despite changes in viewing angle is known as perceptual constancy. This concept refers to the brain's ability to maintain a stable perception of an object even when the input from our senses changes due to variations in perspective, lighting, or distance. For example, a door appears rectangular regardless of whether it is fully open, partially open, or viewed from a side angle; our perception remains consistent due to this phenomenon.

Perceptual constancy encompasses several types, such as shape constancy, size constancy, and color constancy, all of which enable us to recognize objects in our environment under varying conditions without confusion. Understanding this concept is vital in psychology because it highlights how our perception is shaped by cognitive processes rather than solely by sensory input.