Question

Which theory would predict that the American flag would have a green, black, and yellow afterimage? A. subtractive color mixing B. opponent process theory C. additive color mixing D. trichromatic theory

Short answer

Answer: B. opponent process theory

Step-by-step solution

Understand the theories

Learn about each of the given theories: A. Subtractive color mixing: Mixing of pigments or dyes where the more colors are mixed, the more light is absorbed, and the darker the mixture becomes. B. Opponent process theory: This theory suggests that color perception is controlled by the activity of three opponent systems (red vs. green, blue vs. yellow, and black vs. white). C. Additive color mixing: Mixing colored light where the more colors are mixed, the closer the mixture becomes to white light. D. Trichromatic theory: This theory proposes that color perception is the result of the activity of three different types of photoreceptor cells (red, green, and blue) in the retina.

Identify the theory responsible for color afterimages

The opponent process theory (option B) explains the afterimage phenomenon as it proposes that our perception of color is based on the activity of three opponent systems. When staring at a specific color, the neurons coding for that color will become fatigued, causing the opposing color to be more dominant when you look away.

Choose the correct answer

Since the opponent process theory is responsible for predicting color afterimages, the correct answer is B. opponent process theory.