Sensory, Attentional and Perceptual Processes Flashcards
What is the term for the process through which sensory information is selected, organized, and interpreted?
Perception
Name the five primary senses involved in the sensory processes.
Vision, hearing, taste, touch, and smell.
Define the term “sensation” in the context of sensory processes.
Sensation refers to the process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment.
What role does attention play in the cognitive process?
Attention involves focusing awareness on a particular stimulus or aspect of the environment, enhancing the processing of relevant information.
Describe the concept of selective attention.
Selective attention involves focusing on a specific aspect of the environment while ignoring other stimuli.
What is the purpose of perceptual constancy?
Perceptual constancy allows us to perceive objects as stable and unchanging despite changes in their sensory information.
Explain the difference between bottom-up and top-down processing in perceptual organization.
Bottom-up processing involves constructing perceptions from sensory input, while top-down processing involves using pre-existing knowledge to interpret and organize sensory information.
How does the concept of perceptual set influence our perception?
Perceptual set is a mental predisposition to perceive one thing and not another. It influences our perception by shaping how we interpret and organize sensory information based on our expectations and experiences.
Provide an example of a perceptual illusion and explain why it occurs.
An example of a perceptual illusion is the Müller-Lyer illusion, where lines of equal length appear unequal due to surrounding arrow-like figures. This occurs because of the brain’s depth and distance perception mechanisms.
Discuss the role of culture in shaping perceptual processes.
Culture can influence perceptual processes by shaping the ways individuals attend to, interpret, and organize sensory information based on cultural norms and experiences.
Define the term “sensory adaptation” and provide an example.
Sensory adaptation refers to a decrease in sensitivity to a constant stimulus over time. An example is adjusting to the temperature of water while bathing.
Explain the concept of inattentional blindness.
Inattentional blindness occurs when individuals fail to notice a fully visible but unexpected object or event in their perceptual field due to attention being focused elsewhere.
What role does the reticular activating system (RAS) play in attention?
The reticular activating system helps regulate arousal and attention, influencing which stimuli are attended to and which are ignored.
Discuss the role of Gestalt principles in perceptual organization.
Gestalt principles, such as proximity, similarity, continuity, and closure, guide how we organize visual stimuli into coherent and meaningful perceptual experiences.
How does the concept of figure-ground relate to perceptual organization?
Figure-ground perception involves distinguishing an object from its background. The figure is the focal point, while the ground is the background against which the figure stands out.
What is the difference between bottom-up and top-down attentional control?
Bottom-up attentional control is driven by external stimuli, while top-down attentional control is influenced by internal factors such as goals, expectations, and prior knowledge.
Discuss the concept of perceptual grouping and provide an example.
Perceptual grouping involves organizing individual stimuli into a unified whole. An example is grouping individual letters to form words.
How does depth perception contribute to our perception of the three-dimensional world?
Depth perception allows us to perceive the distance and spatial relationships between objects, providing a sense of the three-dimensional layout of our environment.
Explain the concept of subliminal perception.
Subliminal perception involves processing information below the threshold of conscious awareness. It refers to the perception of stimuli that are not consciously recognized but may influence behavior.
How can culture influence the interpretation of facial expressions?
Cultural norms and experiences can shape the interpretation of facial expressions, influencing how emotions are perceived and expressed in different cultural contexts.
Define the concept of “perceptual constancy” and provide an example.
Perceptual constancy refers to the ability to perceive objects as stable and unchanging despite variations in sensory input. An example is recognizing the constant size of an object, like a car, even as it moves closer or farther away.
How does the concept of “feature detection” contribute to the understanding of visual perception?
Feature detection refers to the ability of the brain to identify specific features of visual stimuli, such as edges, angles, and movement. It helps in the recognition and interpretation of complex visual information.
Discuss the role of the “vestibular system” in sensory processes.
The vestibular system contributes to the sense of balance and spatial orientation by detecting changes in head position and movement, helping to maintain stability and coordination.
What is the significance of the “just noticeable difference (JND)” in the context of sensory perception?
The just noticeable difference is the smallest change in stimulus intensity that can be detected by an observer. It provides insights into the sensitivity of our sensory systems.
