Which theory suggests that perception is influenced by expectancies and predispositions due to memory bias?

The Transactional Theory is rooted in the understanding that perception is not a direct reflection of reality but is influenced by the experiences, memories, and expectations of the observer. This theory emphasizes that individuals interpret and give meaning to their experiences based on their prior knowledge and predispositions, highlighting the interactive relationship between the observer and the observed environment.

In the context of architecture and design, this means that the way people perceive and respond to spaces is shaped by their previous experiences and cognitive biases. For example, a person might find a particular building comforting or unsettling based on their past encounters with similar styles or environments. Their expectations, informed by memory, significantly affect their perception of architectural spaces.

This perspective is aligned with the principles of constructivist approaches in psychology, suggesting that our perceptions and interpretations actively shape how we experience the world around us. Therefore, it demonstrates that cognitive factors play a crucial role in shaping understanding and appreciation in the field of architecture.

The other theories listed, while important in their own right, do not specifically address the influence of expectancies and predispositions due to memory bias on perception in the same way as Transactional Theory does.