Perception and Attention

Question 1

What is sensation?

Answer 1

The stimulus detection process by which our sense organs respond to and translate environmental stimuli into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain

Question 2

What is perception?

Answer 2

The active process of organising the stimulus output and giving it meaning

Question 3

Explain the difference between top-down and bottom-up processing.

Answer 3

Bottom-up processing = a process that consists of recognising and processing information from individual components of a stimulus and constructing a perception of the whole
Top-down processing = processing in light of prior knowledge; expectations or thoughts act on this information to influence our final perceptual state

Question 4

What factors affect perception? (mainly top-down)

Answer 4

Attention
Past experiences
Current drive state
Emotions
Individual values and expectations
Environment
Cultural background

Question 5

What are the two different types of attention and how are they different?

Answer 5

Focused attention – ability to respond discretely to specific visual, auditory and tactile stimuli
Divided attention – highest level of attention – refers to the ability to respond simultaneously to multiple tasks or multiple task demands

Question 6

What are the factors affecting perception of physical symptoms?

Answer 6

Attention
Environmental cues
Expectation
Emotion

Question 7

What are factors affecting attention?

Answer 7

Personal factors and stimulus factors

Question 8

What are some personal factors affecting attention?

Answer 8

Motives
Interests
Threats
Mood
Arousal

Question 9

What are some stimulus factors affecting attention?

Answer 9

Intensity
Novelty
Movement
Contrast
Repetition