Lesson 2: Sensation and perception

Sensory stimuli

the raw pieces of information that are detected by the five senses

Sensation

refers to the process of receiving and detecting raw sensory stimuli via sensory organs and sending this information to the brain.

3 distinct stages of sensation

• Reception

• Transduction

• Transmission

Reception

Where we receive the sensory information

Transduction

Where the information is converted into a neural impulse

Transmission

Where the information is sent for processing

Perception

refers to the process of selecting, organising, and interpreting sensory information

Selection

the process of attending to certain stimuli or features of stimuli and excluding others

How does selection work?

The brain receives more sensory input then it can process, so only some stimuli are attended to, either consciously or unconsciously.

Example of selection - conscious

conscious selection involved deliberately focusing on important stimuli and blocking distractions

Example of selection - unconscious

Unconscious selection happens automatically by noticing prominent features like brightness or movement

Organisation

the process of regrouping selected features of a stimuli in order for them to be arranged in a cohesive manner.

How does organisation work?

it Organises selected stimuli into patterns makes them easier for the brain to interpret and understand

Example of organisation

Lines and shapes are grouped together and interpreted as a whole, such as a smiley face

Interpretation

The process of assigning meaning to sensory information in order to understand it.

how does interpretation work?

It makes us consciously aware of the stimuli,

Example of interpretation

Perception of a song, like Taylor Swifts “The last time”, is shaped by mood, past experiences, and memories linked to it.