lecture recording on 14 January 2025 at 12.53.02 PM

Brochure Design Appreciation

• Bright and colorful brochures caught attention in a display.

• Effective balance of images and text, avoiding overwhelming amounts of words.

• Examples of good brochure design that invite engagement and inquiry.

Sensation and Perception Overview

• Sensation: Basic experience of stimulation of one of the five senses.

  • Processed by the brain to store experiences and inform actions.

  • Example: Children learn to associate sensations (e.g., touching hot surfaces) with consequences.

  • Animals also experience similar sensations and perceptions.

• Perception: The act of interpreting sensory information cognitively; it varies per individual.

  • Unique perception of pain among individuals; requires validation in medical assessments.

• Personal example of different reactions to pain (e.g., broken hip) illustrates individual variations.

Individual Sensitivity and Adaptation

• Sensitivity to stimuli varies greatly among individuals.

  • Example: Personal sensitivity to sound versus others’ different thresholds.

  • Patient care considerations: recognize personal biases in sensory processing.

  • Diabetes and Neuropathy: Diabetics may not feel certain sensations due to nerve damage.

Sensory Thresholds

• Absolute Threshold: Minimum stimulus intensity detectable 50% of the time.

  • Example: Visibility of a candle flame from a distance.

• Difference Threshold (Just Noticeable Difference): Smallest change in stimulus that can be detected.

  • May vary based on intensity of original stimulus and current state of the individual.

Sensory Adaptation

• Adaptation: Body becomes less sensitive to constant stimuli.

  • Example: Adjusting to temperature in water or noise levels in environments.

  • Desensitization to sounds and alarms in a healthcare setting.

Types of Perception and Adaptation

• Subliminal Perception: Processing stimuli below conscious awareness.

• Extrasensory Perception: Sensory processing beyond usual capacity; includes drug effects.

  • Example: PCP users potentially experiencing heightened strength.

Visual Perception and Adaptation

• Dark Adaptation: Eye adjustment to darkness (e.g., pupils dilating).

• Light Adaptation: Decreased sensitivity in bright light conditions.

• Color Vision Variance: Different types of color blindness (e.g., dichromats and monochromats).

  • Importance of testing for color blindness when assessing patients.

Hearing and Olfactory Senses

• Hearing: Measures amplitude to determine loudness; conductive hearing loss described.

  • Tinnitus: Continuous ringing sound in the ears is common.

• Olfaction (Smell): Much more sensitive than taste; adaptation occurs with prolonged exposure.

  • Health implications in patient care regarding odors (e.g., chemotherapy effects).

  • Nose's olfactory receptors influence taste perception; impacts of polyps discussed.

Role of Pheromones and Taste

• Pheromones: Natural chemicals affecting behavior in humans and animals.

• Taste Sensations: Different tastes include sweet, sour, salty, and bitter; enhanced by smell.

  • Age impacts the number of taste buds.

Kinesthetic Sense and Proprioception

• Kinesthetic Sense: Recognizes muscle movement and posture changes; critical for nursing skills.

• Proprioception: Brain interprets input from various body parts, essential for coordination.

Vestibular Sense and Equilibrium

• Vestibular Sense: Controls balance; disruption can cause motion sickness.

  • Experiences such as spinning can impair sensory processing.

Skin Senses and Perception

• Skin contains receptors for pressure, temperature, and pain.

  • Neurological deficits can impair these sensations leading to risk of injury.

Perception Mechanics

• Perception: Brain's interpretation of sensory data; multitasking and emotional responses affect interpretation.

  • Need to distinguish figures from the ground visually.

• Perceptual Constancy: Ability to recognize objects as stable despite sensory fluctuations (size, shape, color).

  • Examples of discrepancies in perception illustrated (e.g., clothing color debates).

Illusions and Observer Characteristics

• Visual Illusions: Instances of deceptive visual stimuli.

  • Suggest awareness of how individual experiences color perception.

• Observer Characteristics: Experience, motivation, and values influence perception.

  • Cultural background alters perceptions significantly.

Future Class Information

• Upcoming discussion on case studies and group dynamics for projects.

• Importance of class activities and cooperative learning to deepen understanding of sensation and perception.