OPPONENT PROCESS Meaning and
Definition
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Opponent process is a psychological and physiological concept that refers to a theory about how the human visual system perceives colors and other contrasting sensations. This concept proposes that color perception is not solely based on the presence of specific wavelengths of light, but rather on the combined effects of two opposing color processes: the red-green process and the blue-yellow process.
In the opponent process theory, colors are perceived through the interactions of three pairs of opposing color channels: red versus green, blue versus yellow, and black versus white. Each color channel has its own opponent process, meaning that the intensity of one color is directly linked to the suppression of its opponent color. For example, the perception of red is enhanced when the perceived green is suppressed.
These opponent processes are thought to take place in specific cells within the visual system, known as opponent cells, which are sensitive to the differences in spectral inputs. These cells are located in the retina, lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), and the visual cortex.
The opponent process theory explains various color phenomena, such as color afterimages and color constancy. It suggests that our perception of colors is not determined solely by the physical properties of light, but also by the complex interactions of neural mechanisms that process color information, resulting in the subjective experience of various color sensations.
Etymology of OPPONENT PROCESS
The word "opponent process" has its etymological roots in Latin and English.
The term "opponent" comes from the Latin word "opponens", which is the present participle of "opponere". "Op" means "against" or "in front of", and "ponere" means "to place" or "to set". Therefore, "opponere" can be translated as "to set against" or "to place in front of".
The word "process" comes from the Latin word "processus", which is the past participle of "procedere". "Pro" means "forward" or "forth", and "cedere" means "to go" or "to move". Thus, "procedere" can be translated as "to go forward" or "to move forward".
