Which theory of color perception is correct trichromatic theory or opponent process theory?

How do our eyes and brain allow us to perceive colors? Many scientists have asked this question and two theories have been written to explain the process: The Trichromatic Theory of Vision and the Opponent Process Theory of Vision. Both explain how color is perceived and both are accepted theories. The difference is what part of vision you are describing. Understanding the differences will help you understand why there are two theories and both are correct.

Trichromatic Theory of Vision

Doctor Thomas Young proposed this theory in 1801. The proposal said that the eye could perceive light by three color-sensitive receptors arrayed along the inner wall of the eye (the retina.) Later research by other scientists discovered that these receptors were part of the cells known as cones. The cones are sensitive to three different wavelengths of light: Red, Green and Blue.

As light enters the eye and impacts the retina, the cones that are sensitive to a specific color will send a signal to the brain. When all three signals are received the brain perceives white. If a signal from only one type of cone is received then the corresponding color will be seen. Other colors are combinations of the three primary colors.

This theory describes how color can be perceived by the functions of cells in the eye, but does not explain how the brain translates these signals.

Opponent Process Theory of Vision

Ewald Hering proposed this theory in 1892. His proposal said that red, yellow, green and blue were the primary colors that the human brain could perceive. He also explained that they were perceived to oppose each other respectively. This means that the brain can see red or green; or yellow or blue, but not both at the same time.

This theory also explains the after effects of color. After effects are when one signal is sent strongly against another signal (such as red over green) and then taken away. The result is that the opposite color becomes more perceptible. To see how this works, look at the white dot inside the bright red image via the picture as below for 30 seconds then look at the white area to the right and blink. The opposing color (green) should be more perceptible.

Which theory of color perception is correct trichromatic theory or opponent process theory?

This theory describes how our brains interpret data to perceive colors, but does not explain how those color signals are sent to the brain.

The Difference

Both the theories deal with how color vision is achieved, however, they are not the same. What makes these two theories different is where the process is taking place. In Trichromatic theory of vision, the process takes place on the cellular level inside the eye. In Opponent Process theory of vision, the process takes place in the brain. Both are correct as they describe how the process works on two completely different levels.

The ways the theories have been tested are different as well. The Trichromatic Theory was tested by Helmholtz in a color-matching experiment. Subjects would attempt to match a color by altering the amounts of the three wavelengths of light. It was discovered that the subjects found it impossible to match the colors if they only used two wavelengths but could match any color if they used three.

The Opponent Process Theory was tested through the use of Afterimages. If a subject was to stare at a red square for roughly a minute and then looks at a white surface a green after image would be seen. Another test used was devised by Leo Hurvitch and Dorothea Jameson called Hue Cancellation. If one was to mix green and red light together yellow would be produced as opposed to a reddish-green. If one was also to mix yellow and blue light together white light would be produced instead of a bluish-yellow.

Another difference is the cause of each of the theories. The Trichromatic’s causes are the receptors that receive the light. The three different types of Cone Receptors depend on the wavelength of the light. There are Short-wavelength Cone Receptors, Mid-wavelength Cone Receptors and Long-Wavelength Cone Receptors. These cones are found behind the retina and have a different levels of absorption because of the amounts of opsin amino acids in the cones. This has been discovered by researchers.

To make it even simpler, Trichromaticism is how the eye perceives color and Opponent Process is how the brain perceives it. And now you can astound your friends with your knowledge of vision without confusing them with too much technical jargon.

Color, Depth, and Size

Be able to describe the trichromatic theory of vision.

Be able to describe opponent process theory.

Understand reconciliation of these theories in the retina.

The trichromatic theory states that our cones allow us to see details in normal light conditions, as well as color. We have cones that respond preferentially, not exclusively, for red, green, and blue (Svaetichin, 1955). This trichromatic theory is not new; it dates back to the early 19th century (Young, 1802; Von Helmholtz, 1867). This theory, however, does not explain the odd effect that occurs when we look at a white wall after staring at a picture for around 30 seconds. Try this: stare at the image of the flag in Fig.10.2.1. for 30 seconds and then immediately look at a sheet of white paper or a wall. According to the trichromatic theory of color vision, you should see white when you do that. Is that what you experienced? As you can see, the trichromatic theory doesn’t explain the afterimage you just witnessed. This is where the opponent-process theory comes in (Hering, 1920). This theory states that our cones send information to retinal ganglion cells that respond to pairs of colors (red-green, blue-yellow, black-white). These specialized cells take information from the cones and compute the difference between the two colors—a process that explains why we cannot see reddish-green or bluish-yellow, as well as why we see afterimages. Color blindness can result from issues with the cones or retinal ganglion cells involved in color vision.

Reconciliation between these two theories lies in the retina. We have 3 kinds of photoreceptor pigments, but the circuitry of the retina combines them so ganglion cells respond along a red/green axis or along a blue/yellow axis.

Which theory of color perception is correct trichromatic theory or opponent process theory?
Fig.10.2.1. Stare at the center of the Canadian flag for fifteen seconds. Then, shift your eyes away to a white wall or blank piece of paper. You should see an “after image” with a different color scheme. (Provided by: General Psychology. License CC-BY-NC-SA)

Here are two Audiopedia videos on trichromatic theory and opponent process theory:

CC LICENSED CONTENT, SHARED PREVIOUSLY
Noba project, General Psychology: An Introduction, Chapter 4: Sensation and Perception
Provided by: GALILEO, University System of Georgia
URL of source: https://oer.galileo.usg.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=psychology-textbooks
License of original source: CC BY-NC-SACheryl Olman PSY 3031 Detailed Outline
Provided by: University of Minnesota
Download for free at http://vision.psych.umn.edu/users/caolman/courses/PSY3031/
License of original source: CC Attribution 4.0

Which one is right trichromatic theory or opponent process theory?

The trichromatic theory helps to explain how each type of cone receptor detects different wavelengths in light. On the other hand, the opponent process theory helps explain how these cones connect to the nerve cells that determine how we actually perceive a color in our brain.

Which theory of color vision is correct?

Although complementary colors theory is the most up-to-date, the trichromatic theory and opponent process theory help account for the complexity of color vision. The trichromatic theory explains how the three types of cones detect different light wavelengths.

Which theory of color vision is supported by after images trichromatic or opponent process?

The opponent process theory adds to the trichromatic theory. Along with three main cones, within the brain are specialized color receptor pairs. The three color pairs include red-green, blue-yellow, and black-white. This theory explains afterimages and color blindness.

Which of the following statements best describes trichromatic theory and opponent process theory?

Which of the following statements best describes trichromatic theory and opponent-process theory? Research has not supported either theory. Both theories are equally accurate, but they apply to different levels of the nervous system. The trichromatic theory is more accurate than the opponent-process theory.