A reaction-time procedure is used together with a visual search task to measure the speed of cognitive operations (visual and other “thought” processes). Some types of visual information are processed in parallel, while other types require focused attention and are processed serially. This experiment demonstrates the types of visual features that are processed serially and in parallel.

A magnitude estimation procedure is used to measure our perception of the magnitude of different types of stimuli. Students make predictions based on conflicting theories, and test their results against their predictions. A number of variables known to influence the results of a magnitude estimation procedure can be manipulated.

A rating scale procedure is used with different stimuli to demonstrate basic concepts of signal detection theory — response criterion, d-prime, and ROC curves.

A Yes-No procedure combined with the method of limits are used to measure the size of different visual illusions. This provides the student with the tools to experimentally determine the features of the stimulus that produce the illusion.

A magnitude estimation procedure is used to measure the apparent distance between a reference point and a figure that appears to be either in front of or behind it. The results illustrate the relation between the difference between the two eyes’ views and the perception of depth. Requires red-green or red-blue glasses.

A reaction-time procedure is used to measure different types of information processing by the visual system. This procedure demonstrates how the speed and sequence of visual processing can be measured, and shows the relative importance of different attributes of visual images (we see the forest before the trees).

Method of adjustment and forced-choice procedures are used to measure the contrast sensitivity function. “Common sense” suggests that it is easier to see “big things” than it is to see “small things.” This experiment demonstrates that common sense is not always correct.