Module_2.1a

LT 2.1-1: Explain how selective attention directs our perceptions.
LT 2.1-2: Explain how our expectations, contexts, motivation, and emotions influence our perceptions.

Definition: Selective Attention is the process of focusing conscious awareness on a specific stimulus.
Important Points:
- Our perceptions are shaped by our identities and experiences; we see the world not as it is, but as we are.
- Attention limitations: People can only focus on one sensory input at a time due to the limited nature of attention.
- Selective attention is determined by the importance of stimuli.
- Distracted driving is a common example of poor attention management, as individuals frequently misinterpret how attention operates.

Illustration of selective attention where one can hear their name among various competing sounds.

Inattentional Blindness: The failure to notice visible objects when our attention is focused on another task.
Change Blindness: A form of inattentional blindness where changes in a visual stimulus go unnoticed.
Example: Missing dramatic changes in the environment due to lack of attention.
Consequence: Change blindness can contribute to accidents, as the brain overlooks stimuli deemed unimportant.

Perceptual Set: A mental predisposition; It's how our past experiences and expectations make us see things in a certain way, like having a mental filter that influences what we notice or ignore.

Experience: Past experiences shape our interpretations of new stimuli.
Expectations: Preconceived notions affect how we interpret information.
Context: The surrounding environment provides significant clues for perception.
Motivation & Emotions: Emotional state can alter our perception of stimuli.

Defined as processing sensory information based on existing knowledge, experiences, and expectations, impacting how stimuli are interpreted.
- Example: Hearing ambiguous phrases in loud environments can lead to misinterpretation based on contextual cues (e.g., "eel" vs. "wheel").
Cultural background influences perceptions and interpretations of scenes and behaviors.
- Example: Different interpretations of visual scenes depend on cultural context (e.g., family sitting indoors vs. outdoors).

Context enhances or modifies interpretation of sensory data.
Motivation affects perception; someone thirsty will perceive a water source as closer.
Emotional state has a profound effect on perceptions; emotions can bias views on situations.
- Example: A person may misinterpret intentions based on personal biases or emotional states.

Examine how magicians use principles of attention to deceive spectators.
Reflect on personal experiences of selective attention that led to missing other stimuli (e.g., missing a friend's approach while focused on a task).

Figures illustrating how prior images influence perception of ambiguous images (interpretation of an old or young woman depending on prior stimulus).
Observers' interpretations may change based on their prior exposure to similar stimuli.

Discuss examples where cultural background influences perceptual interpretations of objects and scenes (perception of shapes and spatial relations).

Perception is influenced by an intricate interplay of various internal and external factors, leading to subjective interpretations of reality.