Final answer:
The trichromatic theory explains color vision at the retinal level, while the opponent process theory explains phenomena like negative afterimages occurring beyond the retina, with both theories contributing to our understanding of color perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
The problem with the trichromatic theory of color vision is that it does not explain negative afterimages. In contrast, the opponent process theory addresses this by proposing that certain cells in the visual system are excited by one color and inhibited by its complementary color, leading to the experience of negative afterimages. While the trichromatic theory explains color perception at the level of the retina with three cone types sensitive to different wavelengths, the opponent-process theory applies once the signal moves towards the brain. These theories are not mutually exclusive but work together to explain color vision through different mechanisms in the nervous system.
The principle of critical thinking that this situation reminds us to consider is the explanation principle. When evaluating different theories of color vision, it is important to consider how well each theory explains the phenomena observed. In this case, the opponent-process theory neatly explains the occurrence of negative afterimages by proposing that color is processed in opponent pairs, leading to the perception of complementary colors in afterimages.