What is a key concept of context effects in perception?

Context effects in perception refer to the phenomenon where the surrounding environment or the framework in which a stimulus is presented can significantly influence the way that stimulus is interpreted or understood. When context plays a role in perception, it means that the same stimulus can be perceived differently depending on the situational factors, background, or accompanying stimuli.

For example, a gray rectangle may be perceived as lighter or darker depending on the colors and brightness of the objects surrounding it. This illustrates that our perception is not solely based on the raw data received by our sensory organs, but is also shaped by the context in which that data appears. This concept emphasizes the dynamic interplay between stimuli and the environment, highlighting the importance of situational cues in our perceptual experiences.

In contrast, the other options suggest that context has little or no impact on perception or that perception is influenced only by individual characteristics or strictly biological processes, which do not encapsulate the multifaceted nature of perceptual experiences as accurately as the correct choice does.