Which statement best describes the relationship between maturation and experience in depth perception according to the Visual Cliff findings?

Which statement best describes the relationship between maturation and experience in depth perception according to the Visual Cliff findings?

• A. Both maturation and experience contribute; depth perception has innate basis plus experience
• B. Only maturation matters
• C. Only experience matters
• D. Depth perception cannot be studied in infancy

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is that depth perception comes from both an inborn sensitivity and from learning through experience. The Visual Cliff shows that infants possess an early, innate ability to pick up depth cues, suggesting some perceptual groundwork is present from the start. However, how strongly they respond to a drop-off depends on their locomotor experience. Crawling infants tend to avoid the deep side, while non-crawling babies may not show that avoidance as clearly. This pattern demonstrates that maturation provides the perceptual framework, and experience with self-produced movement calibrates and strengthens depth judgments for real-world action. In short, depth perception is shaped by both biological development and experiential learning.

The main idea being tested is that depth perception comes from both an inborn sensitivity and from learning through experience. The Visual Cliff shows that infants possess an early, innate ability to pick up depth cues, suggesting some perceptual groundwork is present from the start. However, how strongly they respond to a drop-off depends on their locomotor experience. Crawling infants tend to avoid the deep side, while non-crawling babies may not show that avoidance as clearly. This pattern demonstrates that maturation provides the perceptual framework, and experience with self-produced movement calibrates and strengthens depth judgments for real-world action. In short, depth perception is shaped by both biological development and experiential learning.