Final answer:
For the development of depth perception in infancy, the experience of binocular vision is essential, as is the activation of specialized cells in the nervous system that respond to binocular depth cues. Monocular cues also play a role, but binocular cues are particularly important for understanding the spatial relationships between objects in our three-dimensional world.
Step-by-step explanation:
Importance of Depth Perception in Infancy
Depth perception is a vital skill that enables us to perceive the world in three dimensions. It entails the ability to judge how far away objects are and to see them in relation to each other. A key factor that appears important for the development of depth perception in infants is the experience of binocular vision. Infants develop this skill as their visual system matures and they become more mobile. Binocular depth cues, which involve comparing the slightly different images received by each eye, are crucial for perceiving depth. When infants lack the opportunity to develop binocular vision during critical periods, they may experience difficulty in perceiving depth later on. Other monocular cues, which require only one eye, also contribute to depth perception. These include perspectives such as relative size and the overlap of objects. Children gain these monocular depth cues through experience as they interact with the three-dimensional world around them.
Indeed, stimuli such as human faces and objects with sharp contrasting colors or complex patterns tend to attract infants’ attention and may facilitate the development of depth perception. Activation of cells in the nervous system that respond to binocular depth cues during early development is essential. Without early activation and the experience of binocular vision, an infant's ability to perceive depth can be hindered.